ˌfrad.əˈchelē noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: Italian, plural of fraticello, literally, little brother, diminutive of frate brother — more at fra
: any of several small Christian sects existing chiefly in Italy from the 13th to the 15th centuries and having some connection with the Franciscans: as
a. : a band of seceders from the Franciscan order under the leadership of Angelo de Clareno (1247-1337)
b. : the Spirituals or Spiritual Franciscans who revolted against the order and defied many popes
c. : the followers of Michael of Cesena (1270-1342) who defended a theory of poverty and property for monks and ecclesiastics generally