phratry

noun

phra·​try ˈfrā-trē 

plural phratries

1

: a kinship group forming a subdivision of a Greek phyle

2

: a tribal subdivision

specifically : an exogamous group typically comprising several totemic clans

Word History

Etymology

Greek phratria, from phratēr member of the same clan, member of a phratry — more at brother

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1