The Collins Word-finder defines Fraternity, as an association, brotherhood, camaraderie, circle, clan, companionship, company, comradeship, fellowship, guild, kinship, league, order, sodality and union.
Fraternity is a society formed on the principle of brotherhood.
Tonight I shall address you as fratres in an endeavour to stress the aspect of fraternity in a more specialised form.
It is important to note that the Latin word `fratre' means brother, and `fratres' (the plural), brethren.
In this sense, Freemasonry can be viewed as a society formed on the principles of brotherhood and fraternity.