brother

(brŭÞˈər)

1. A male having the same parents as another or one parent in common with another.
2. pl. also breth·ren (brĕÞˈrən) One who shares a common ancestry, allegiance, character, or purpose with another or others, especially:
   a. A kinsman.
   b. A fellow man.
   c. A fellow member, as of a fraternity, trade union, or panel of judges on a court.
   d. A close male friend; a comrade.
   e. A fellow African-American man or boy.
3. pl. also brethren brethren Something, such as a corporation or institution, that is regarded as a member of a class: “A station that … relies on corporate contributions or advertising to survive runs the risk of becoming virtually indistinguishable from its commercial brethren” (W. John Moore).
4. a. Abbr. Br. or Bro. A member of a men's religious order who is not in holy orders but engages in the work of the order.
   b. A lay member of a religious order of men.
   c. pl. also brethren brethren A fellow member of the Christian church.