phratry

noun

phra·​try ˈfrā-trē How to pronounce phratry (audio)
plural phratries
1
: a kinship group forming a subdivision of a Greek phyle
2
: a tribal subdivision
specifically : an exogamous group typically comprising several totemic clans

Word History

Etymology

Greek phratria, from phratēr member of the same clan, member of a phratry — more at brother

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phratry was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near phratry

phratric

phratry

phreak

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Phratry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phratry. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on phratry

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phratry

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