n. 1 a group of (esp. primitive) families or communities, linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, and usu. having a common culture and dialect, and a recognized leader. 2 any similar natural or political division. 3 Rom.Hist. each of the political divisions of the Roman people. 4 each of the 12 divisions of the Israelites. 5 usu. derog. a set or number of persons esp. of one profession etc. or family (the whole tribe of actors). 6 Biol. a group of organisms usu. ranking between genus and the subfamily. 7 (in pl.) large numbers.
[ ME, orig. in pl. form tribuz, tribus f. OF or L tribus (sing. & pl.) ]