| 释义 |
fra·ter·nal
I. \frəˈtərnəl, -ˈtə̄n-\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin fraternalis, from Latin fraternus (from frater) + -alis -al
1.
a. : of, relating to, or involving brothers
< trying to improve the fraternal relationship between the two boys even though their father did not care >
b. : of, relating to, or being a fraternity or confederation
< a fraternal order >
< a fraternal chapter house >
< a fraternal delegate to national meetings >
c. : of, relating to, or being one of many men's or sometimes women's clubs or associations usually having secret rites, restricted membership, and religious, social, charitable, or professional purposes
2. of twins : derived from two ova : dizygotic
3. : friendly, brotherly
< so we shall have fraternal nations … instead of warring, organized interests — H.J.Mackinder >
• fra·ter·nal·ly \-əlē, -əli\ adverb
II. noun
(-s)
1. : a member of a fraternal order
2. : a society providing fraternal insurance |