English

Adjective

Brethren ‎(not comparable)

1. of or pertaining to any religious group that uses or formerly used the word "Brethren", capitalized, in referring to itself or its members

Noun

Brethren

1. (in the plural, informal) any Brethren denomination (usually preceded by "the" or "The")
2. (in the singular), a member of a Brethren congregation or denomination

See also

• brethren

English

Noun

brethren

1. (archaic) plural of brother
2. (figuratively) the body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order

Usage notes

The plural brethren is generally used for members of an organization, especially a religious body, whereas the plural brothers is used in the familial sense as well as for larger groups.

Translations

See also

• Brethren
• brother
• sistren and nun
• friar and frater or father
• brotherhood, sisterhood
• fraternity
• siblings