brethren
nounnounadjectiveattested in dialogue
- //ˈbɹɛðɹən//
kinsmen
noun
- 1
kinsmen
- 2
Also a form of brotherarchaicplural of brother
The Introit over, the service is interrupted for the feast. Contrary to the festive fashion of the nobles, who all sit with their swords beside them, here, in this feast of brethren, are no arms, not even a knife.
Etymology
From Early Modern English brethren, plural of brother, from Middle English brethren, from Middle English brethere, brether + -en (plural ending). Ultimately from Old English brōþor, brōþru (“brothers, brethren”), influenced by Old English brēþer, dative singular of brōþor (“brother”). Equivalent to brother + -en (plural ending). Compare German Brüder (“brothers, brethren”). More at brother. The vowel change (from o to e) is called umlaut.
noun
- 1
figurativeThe body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order.
adjective
- 1
Of or akin to; related; like
The principle still sounds good, but our astronomical knowledge is limited, and we haven't yet discovered any such brethren solar systems.
Forms
- comparative
- more brethren
- superlative
- most brethren