# sept

/ˈsɛpt/ (US) · /sˈɛpt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sept
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a clan or family group

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a group of families who share the same ancestor, especially in Irish history.

For teachers: a branch of a clan or a group of families claiming descent from a common progenitor, used primarily in an Irish or Scottish historical context.

- The O'Brien sept was one of the most powerful families in the region.
- Historians have traced the migration of the various septs that comprised the larger clan, noting how land disputes often fractured these ancestral bonds.

Usage: Often used in historical or genealogical writing.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific term for history or genealogy; students should use 'clan' or 'family branch' in general conversation.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.