guild

or gild

[ gild ]

noun

1. an organization of persons with related interests, goals, etc., especially one formed for mutual aid or protection.
2. any of various medieval associations, as of merchants or artisans, organized to maintain standards and to protect the interests of its members, and that sometimes constituted a local governing body.
3. Botany. a group of plants, as parasites, having a similar habit of growth and nutrition.

guild

/ ɡɪld /

noun

1. an organization, club, or fellowship
2. (esp in medieval Europe) an association of men sharing the same interests, such as merchants or artisans: formed for mutual aid and protection and to maintain craft standards or pursue some other purpose such as communal worship
3. ecology a group of plants, such as a group of epiphytes, that share certain habits or characteristics

Word History and Origins

Origin of guild¹

before 1000; Middle English gild ( e ) < Old Norse gildi guild, payment; replacing Old English gegyld guild; akin to German Geld money, Gothic -gild tax

Word History and Origins

Origin of guild¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gjald payment, gildi guild; related to Old English gield offering, Old High German gelt money

Related Words

• federation