brethren

== English == === Alternative forms === brethern, bretheren (obsolete) === 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. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈbɹɛðɹən/ === Noun === brethren (archaic) plural of brother (poetic) kinsmen ==== 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. ==== Derived terms ==== === Noun === brethren pl (plural only) (figuratively) The body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order. ==== Coordinate terms ==== sistren ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === brethren (comparative more brethren, superlative most brethren) Of or akin to; related; like === See also === Brethren brother sistren and nun friar and frater or father brotherhood, sisterhood fraternity siblings