n. 1 a the relationship between brothers. b brotherly friendliness; companionship. 2 a an association, society, or community of people linked by a common interest, religion, trade, etc. b its members collectively. 3 US a trade union. 4 community of feeling between all human beings.
[ ME alt. f. brotherrede f. OE brothor-rden (cf. KINDRED) after words in -HOOD, -HEAD ]