noun

1. an early form of social group, as in the Scottish Highlands, composed of several families claiming descent from a common ancestor, bearing the same family name, and following the same chieftain
2. in certain primitive societies, a tribal division, usually exogamous, of matrilineal or patrilineal descent from a common ancestor
3. a group of people with interests in common; clique; set
4. Informal family (sense )

Etymology: Gael & Ir clann, cland, offspring, tribe < L planta, offshoot: see plant