confraternities
/ˌkɑnfrəˈtɜrnətiz/
noun
- Groups of people united for a common purpose, especially religious, charitable, or professional associations.
- The city's various confraternities held a joint festival to celebrate their shared heritage.
- Modern confraternities often focus on community service and preserving cultural traditions.
- Many medieval confraternities were formed to support local churches and hospitals.