fra·ter·ni·ty / frəˈtərnətē/ • n. (pl. -ties) 1. [treated as sing. or pl.] a group of people sharing a common profession or interests: members of the hunting fraternity. ∎  a male students' society in a university or college. ∎  a religious or masonic society or guild.2. the state or feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group: the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Fraternity

a group of men joined by a common interest or organized for religious purposes, 1330. See also brotherhood, fellowship, guild.

Examples: fraternity of couriers, 1838; of free masons, 1851; of goldsmiths, 1870; of mercers, 1483; of vagabonds, 1561.