Brothers

Note: A brother having the same mother but different fathers is called a {uterine brother}, and one having the same father but a different mother is called an {agnate brother}, or in (Law) a {consanguine brother}. A brother having the same father and mother is called a {brother-german} or {full brother}. The same modifying terms are applied to {sister} or {sibling}. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Two of us in the churchyard lie, My sister and my brother. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]

2. One related or closely united to another by some common tie or interest, as of rank, profession, membership in a society, toil, suffering, etc.; -- used among judges, clergymen, monks, physicians, lawyers, professors of religion, etc. ``A brother of your order.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. One who, or that which, resembles another in distinctive qualities or traits of character. [1913 Webster]

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. --Prov. xviii. 9. [1913 Webster]

That April morn Of this the very brother. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]

Note: In Scripture, the term brother is applied to a kinsman by blood more remote than a son of the same parents, as in the case of Abraham and Lot, Jacob and Laban. In a more general sense, brother or brethren is used for fellow-man or fellow-men. [1913 Webster]

For of whom such massacre Make they but of their brethren, men of men? --Milton. [1913 Webster]

{Brother Jonathan}, a humorous designation for the people of the United States collectively. The phrase is said to have originated from Washington's referring to the patriotic Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, as ``Brother Jonathan.''

{Blood brother}. See under {Blood}. [1913 Webster]