BROTHER

noun (plural ~s; also brethren) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor ~, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan Date: before 12th century a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another, one related to another by common ties or interests, a fellow member, one of a type similar to another, 5. kinsman , one who shares with another a common national or racial origin, 6. a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work, a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders