brother

broth•er

[[t]ˈbrʌð ər[/t]] or, for 9, [[t]ˈbrʌðˈɜr[/t]] n. pl. broth•ers, (Archaic)breth•ren;

1) a male offspring having both parents in common with another offspring; male sibling

2) half brother

3) cvb

stepbrother

4) cvb a man or boy numbered in the same kinship group, nationality, race, society, etc., as another

5) rel (often cap.)

a) a male numbered among the lay members of a religious organization that has a priesthood

b) a man who devotes himself to the duties of a religious order without taking holy orders, or while preparing for holy orders

c) (used as a title for a brother, monk, or friar.)

6) sts Slang. fellow; buddy

7) sts (used to express disappointment, disgust, or surprise.)

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME; OE brōthor; c. OS brōthar, OHG bruodar, ON brōthir, Go brothar, Gk phratēr, L frāter, Skt bhrātṛ broth′er•less, adj.