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REFERENCE

brotherhood

n.
US //ˈbɹəðɝˌhʊd// UK //bɹˈʌðəhˌʊd// broth·er·hood
  1. 1 feeling of friendship (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a strong feeling of friendship, support, and understanding between people.

    the abstract quality of fraternal fellowship, solidarity, and mutual support among a group of people.

    Example

    The long journey created a sense of brotherhood among the travelers.

    Example

    The shared hardships of the campaign fostered a deep sense of brotherhood that transcended their diverse cultural backgrounds.
  2. 2 an organisation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a group of people, often men, who join together for a specific purpose or shared belief.

    an association or fraternity of people united by a common profession, religious order, or social purpose.

    Example

    He joined a local brotherhood that focuses on helping the community.

    Example

    The medieval brotherhood of stonemasons maintained strict secrets regarding their architectural techniques and structural calculations.
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  1. 3 a profession (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    all the people who work in the same job or business.

    the collective body of individuals engaged in the same trade or profession.

    Example

    The legal brotherhood gathered to discuss the new changes in the law.

    Example

    Members of the medical brotherhood expressed significant concerns regarding the ethical implications of the proposed legislative reforms.
  2. 4 being brothers (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the state of being a brother to someone.

    the literal state or relationship of being a brother.

    Example

    Their brotherhood was tested when they both fell in love with the same person.

    Example

    The bond of their biological brotherhood remained intact despite years of geographical separation and political disagreement.
Origin

From Middle English brotherhod, equivalent to brother + -hood, from earlier brotherhede, alteration (influenced by suffixes in -hood, -head) of Early Middle English brotherrede (“brotherhood, fraternity”), from Old English brōþorrǣden (“brotherhood, fellowship”), equivalent to brother + -red (see brotherred). More at brother, -red. Piecewise doublet of friarhood.

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