phratry
/ˈfreɪtri/
noun
- A social division or kinship group within a tribe, often consisting of several clans, that shares common ancestry or rituals.
- Anthropologists documented the roles of each phratry in the annual harvest festival.
- The tribe was divided into two phratries, each with its own ceremonies.
- Members of the same phratry were expected to help each other in times of need.
Synonyms