/
frəˈtəːnɪti/
n.
 (pl. fraternities)
  - 
[treated as sing. or pl.]
 a group of people sharing a common profession or interests. 
▸N. Amer. a male students' society in a university or college.
 ▸a religious or Masonic society or guild.
 - friendship and mutual support within a group.
 
Etymology
ME: from OFr. fraternite, from L. fraternitas, from fraternus (see fraternal).