brethren

Noun

Plural of brother, especially members of a group or society.
An archaic plural of brother, often used in a formal context.
(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
a male with the same parents as someone else
a male person who is a fellow member (of a fraternity or religion or other group)
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
used as a term of address for those male persons engaged in the same movement
(Roman Catholic Church) a title given to a monk and used as form of address
plural of brother
kinsmen
The body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order.

Adj

Of or akin to; related; like

Examples

He and his Scrabble brethren met weekly to test their lexical might.
His fellow Scrabble BRETHREN cheered as he placed his winning word.

Origin / Etymology

From Early Modern English brethren, plural of brother, from Middle English brethren, from Middle English brethere, brether + -en (plural ending). Ultimately from Old English brōþor, brōþru (“brothers, brethren”), influenced by Old English brēþer, dative singular of brōþor (“brother”). Equivalent to brother + -en (plural ending). Compare German Brüder (“brothers, brethren”). More at brother. The vowel change (from o to e) is called umlaut.

Synonyms

blood brother, Brother, brother, buddy, chum, comrade, crony, pal, sidekick

Antonyms

sister

Scrabble Score: 13

brethren: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
brethren: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
brethren: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

brethren: valid Words With Friends Word