/
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).