Fra*ter"ni*ty (?), n.; pl. Fraternities (#). [F. fraternit'e, L. fraternitas.]
1.
The state or quality of being fraternal or brotherly; brotherhood.
2.
A body of men associated for their common interest, business, or pleasure; a company; a brotherhood; a society; in the Roman Catholic Chucrch, an association for special religious purposes, for relieving the sick and destitute, etc.
3.
Men of the same class, profession, occupation, character, or tastes.
With what terms of respect knaves and sots will speak of their own fraternity!
South.
© Webster 1913.