GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found one definition
-
Clan (klăn), n. [Gael. clann offspring, descendants; akin to Ir. clann, cland, offspring, tribe, family; perh. from L. plania scion, slip, cutting. Cf. Plant, n.]
1. A tribe or collection of families, united under a chieftain, regarded as having the same common ancestor, and bearing the same surname; as, “the clan of Macdonald”. “I have marshaled my clan.” Campbell.
[1913 Webster]
2. A clique; a sect, society, or body of persons; esp., a body of persons united by some common interest or pursuit; -- sometimes used contemptuously.
[1913 Webster]
Partidge and the rest of his clan may hoot me. Smolett.
[1913 Webster]
The whole clan of the enlightened among us. Burke.
[1913 Webster]