brethren

1. 1
   fellow membersnounfigurativelycountableplural

   All the members of a group, especially a society, a religious group, or a military group.

   The brethren of the old society raised money to fix the town bridge.

   The monks welcomed the traveler, and all the brethren ate supper with him.

   Similarmembers, fellows, comrades

   Note
2. 2
   male siblingsnounarchaic

   Plural of brother. An old form, mostly found in older books.

   The youngest of the three brethren stayed home to help their mother.

   The Introit over, the service is interrupted for the feast. Contrary to the festive fashion of the nobles, who all sit with their swords beside them, here, in this feast of brethren, are no arms, not even a knife.

   1863, Jules Michelet, La Sorcière: The Witch of the Middle Ages translated by Lionel J. TrotterHere, brethren means brothers, people who share a bond like brothers.

   Note
3. 3
   male relativesnounliterarycountable

   Men who are part of your family, such as uncles and cousins.

   He came back to the valley where his brethren had farmed for a hundred years.

   All his brethren, from the oldest uncle to the youngest cousin, stood together at the grave.

   Similarkinsmen, kin, kinsfolk, relatives

4. 4
   pacifist churchnoun · Brethrencountableplural

   Members of churches that come from the Schwarzenau Brethren, who baptize only believers and refuse all violence.

   The Brethren in our area wear plain clothes and do not drive cars.

   The Brethren baptize only people who have chosen the faith for themselves.

   Note

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