BROTHER


Meaning of BROTHER in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈbrə-thər ]

noun

( plural brothers also breth·ren ˈbreth-rən; ˈbre-thə-rən, -thərn)

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan

Date: before 12th century

1. : a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another

2. : one related to another by common ties or interests

3. : a fellow member — used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations

4. : one of a type similar to another

5.

a. : kinsman

b. : one who shares with another a common national or racial origin ; especially : soul brother

6.

a. capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work

b. : a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders

a lay brother

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.