brethren

Meanings

Noun

(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
a male with the same parents as someone else
a male person who is a fellow member (of a fraternity or religion or other group)
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
used as a term of address for those male persons engaged in the same movement
(Roman Catholic Church) a title given to a monk and used as form of address
plural of brother
kinsmen
The body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order.

Adj

Of or akin to; related; like

Origin / 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.

Synonyms

blood brother, brother, Brother, buddy, chum, comrade, crony, pal, sidekick

Antonyms

sister

Scrabble Score: 13

brethren is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
brethren is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
brethren is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

brethren is a valid Words With Friends word