phyle

A local division of the people; a clan or tribe.

Noun

  1. A local division of the people; a clan or tribe.
  2. A subdivision of the priestly caste in ancient Egypt, headed by a phylarch.

Origin

From New Latin phȳlē, from Ancient Greek φῡλή (phūlḗ, “a union of individuals into a community”).

Forms

phyles phylae

Derived

phylic