sept
n. countablen. a large group of families who are related to each other. It is a word mostly used to describe historical groups in Ireland or Scotland.
n. a clan or family group, particularly within the historical social structures of Ireland or Scotland. Often used in genealogical or historical contexts to describe a lineage sharing a common ancestor.
The ancient sept controlled most of the land in this valley.
Historians believe this specific sept originated from a small village in the west of Ireland during the medieval period.
The political stability of the region relied on a complex network of alliances between the dominant septs, each maintaining its own territory and legal customs.
Primarily used in Irish and Scottish historical contexts; less common in modern general English than 'clan'.