Main Entry: guild

Variant(s): also gild \ˈgild\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English gilde, from Old Norse gildi payment, guild; akin to Old English gield tribute, guild — more at geld

Date: 14th century

1 : an association of people with similar interests or pursuits; especially : a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen
2 : a group of organisms that use the same ecological resource in a similar way <a feeding guild>

— guild·ship \ˈgil(d)-ˌship\ noun