/brudh"euhr hood'/ , n.
1. the condition or quality of being a brother or brothers.
2. the quality of being brotherly; fellowship.
3. a fraternal or trade organization.
4. all those engaged in a particular trade or profession or sharing a common interest or quality.
5. the belief that all people should act with warmth and equality toward one another, regardless of differences in race, creed, nationality, etc.
[ 1250-1300; ME brithirhod (see BROTHER, -HOOD); r. early ME brotherhede; see -HEAD ]