sect

¹sect

noun \ˈsekt\

Definition of SECT

1

a : a dissenting or schismatic religious body; especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical b : a religious denomination

2

archaic : sex 1 <so is all her sect — Shakespeare>

3

a : a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader b : party c : faction

Examples of SECT

1. <one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus>

Origin of SECT

Middle English secte, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French, group, faction, from Late Latin secta organized ecclesiastical body, from Latin, course of action, way of life, probably from sectari to pursue, frequentative of sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SECT

Synonyms: bloc, block, body, coalition, party, faction, set, side, wing

Related Words: splinter, split; crew, gang, pack, team; denomination, persuasion; schism, scission; caucus, movement

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Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

Rhymes with SECT

Brecht, necked, specked