<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an organization of persons with related interests, goals, etc., especially one formed for mutual aid or protection.</li><li>any of various medieval associations, as of merchants or artisans, organized to maintain standards and to protect the interests of its members, and that sometimes constituted a local governing body.</li><li>Botany. a group of plants, as parasites, having a similar habit of growth and nutrition.</li></ul>