brethren
n. countablen. a formal or religious word for brothers, or for members of the same group.
n. male members of a religious order, fraternity, or shared community; used in formal or ecclesiastical contexts.
The monks greeted their brethren with a bow.
The committee addressed its brethren in the industry regarding the new safety standards.
In the quiet chapel, the brethren gathered for evening prayer, their voices blending in a solemn harmony that transcended the noise of the world outside.
From Early Modern English brethren, plural of brother, from Middle English brethren, from Middle English brethere, brether + -en (plural ending). Ultimately from Old English brōþor, brōþru (“brothers, brethren”), influenced by Old English brēþer, dative singular of brōþor (“brother”). Equivalent to brother + -en (plural ending). Compare German Brüder (“brothers, brethren”). More at brother. The vowel change (from o to e) is called umlaut.