guild
UK[ɡɪld]US[ɡɪld]
n
An organization of people who do the same job or have the same interests.
Etymology
The word 'guild' descends from the Old English 'gild' or 'gyld', meaning a payment, tribute, or brotherhood. This term is related to the Old Norse 'gildi', meaning guild, feast, or payment, and shares a root with the Old English 'gieldan', meaning to pay or yield. The core concept uniting these meanings is that of a mutual payment or contribution, which formed the basis of the medieval associations where members paid dues to support the collective. Over time, the sense of a fraternal society bound by common economic interests evolved into the modern meaning of an association for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common craft.
Analysis
The word 'guild' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It does not contain separable, productive morphemes in modern English.
Examples
She joined the local artists' guild to connect with other painters.
In medieval times, a craft guild controlled the training and standards for its trade.
The Writers' Guild of America negotiates contracts for its members.