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Webster 1913 Edition

Guild

Guild

,
Noun.
[OE.
gilds
, AS.
gild
,
gield
,
geld
, tribute, a society or company where payment was made for its charge and support, fr. AS. gildan, gieldan, to pay. See
Yield
,
Verb.
T.
]
1.
An association of men belonging to the same class, or engaged in kindred pursuits, formed for mutual aid and protection; a business fraternity or corporation;
as, the Stationers’
Guild
; the Ironmongers'
Guild
. They were originally licensed by the government, and endowed with special privileges and authority.
2.
A guildhall.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
3.
A religious association or society, organized for charitable purposes or for assistance in parish work.

Webster 1828 Edition

Guild

GUILD

,
Noun.
gild. In England, a society, fraternity or company, associated for some purpose, particularly for carrying on commerce. The merchant-guilds of our ancestors, answer to our modern corporations. They were licensed by the king, and governed by laws and orders of their own. Hence the name Guild-hall, the great court of judicature in London.

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