Gens (?), n.; pl. Gentes (#). [L. See Gentle, a.] Rom. Hist.
1.
A clan or family connection, embracing several families of the same stock, who had a common name and certain common religious rites; a subdivision of the Roman curia or tribe
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2. Ethnol.
A minor subdivision of a tribe, among American aborigines. It includes those who have a common descent, and bear the same totem.
© Webster 1913.