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.
Etymology: ME alt. f. brotherrede f. OE brothor-r{aelig}den (cf. KINDRED) after words in -HOOD, -HEAD