brotherhood

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbrʌðəhʊd/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the relationship between brothers: the bonds of brotherhood
  • the feeling of kinship with and closeness to a group of people or all people: a gesture of solidarity and brotherhood
  • 2an association or community of people linked by a common interest, religion, or trade: a religious brotherhood
  • North American a trade union: the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

Origin:

Middle English: probably from obsolete brotherred (based on Old English -rǣden 'condition, state'; compare with kindred). The change of suffix was due to association with words ending in -hood and -head1