clan Hear it!

clan definition

clan (klan)

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

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