Main Entry: broth·er

Pronunciation: \ˈbrə-thər\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural brothers also breth·ren \ˈbreth-rən; ˈbre-thə-rən, -thərn\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan

Date: before 12th century

1 : a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another
2 : one related to another by common ties or interests
3 : a fellow member —used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations
4 : one of a type similar to another
5 a : kinsman b : one who shares with another a common national or racial origin; especially : soul brother
6 a capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work b : a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders <a lay brother>