Meanings
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1
noun
an association of merchants or craftspeople formed to regulate a trade, protect common interests, and provide mutual support
The medieval weavers' guild controlled apprenticeships and standards of workmanship.
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2
noun
an organized group of people who share a profession, activity, or purpose
The writers' guild negotiated new contract terms for its members.
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3
noun
in ecology, a group of species that use the same class of resources in a similar way
Ecologists recorded a guild of insect-eating birds in the forest canopy.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English gilde, probably from Old Norse gildi, 'payment, feast, or guild,' related to geld, 'payment,' and yield. The shared payment or contribution made by members gave its name to the association itself.