Middle English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

Inherited from Old English brōþorrǣden; equivalent to brother +‎ -rede. However, usually remodelled as brother +‎ -hede; sometimes the first element is changed to brether.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈbroːðərhɛːd/, /ˈbroːðərhɔːd/, /ˈbroːðərhoːd/, /ˈbreːðər-/
  • (non-remodelled) IPA(key): /ˈbroːðər(r)ɛːd(ə)/

Noun edit

brotherhede (uncountable)

  1. Brotherly relations; a brotherly pact or bond:
    1. An amicable or brotherly relationship which two siblings have with each other.
    2. The relationship which two blood brothers have with each other.
    3. Any deep platonic relationship or linkage between two people.
    4. The bond that two people in an religious or craft organisation or society have.
    5. A relationship or linkage between two allied nations.
  2. Brotherly behaviour or acts; appropriate behaviour for a brother.
  3. The entirety of believers in Christianity collectively; Christendom.
  4. The people in an religious or craft organisation or society collectively.
  5. (rare) The male siblings of two given people collectively.
  6. (rare) A term used towards a brother (religious or familial)

Descendants edit

  • English: brotherhood, brotherred
  • Scots: britherheid

References edit