fraternal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of or relating to a fraternity or society of usually men
    • a fraternal order
  2. adjective (of twins) derived from two separate fertilized ova
    biovular.
    • fraternal twins are biovular
  3. adjective like or characteristic of or befitting a brother
    brotherlike; brotherly.
    • brotherly feelings
    • close fraternal ties

WordNet

Fra*ter"nal adjective
Etymology
F. fraternel, LL. fraternalis, fr. L. fraternus, fr. frater brother. See Brother.
Definitions
  1. Pf, pertaining to, or involving, brethren; becoming to brothers; brotherly; as, fraternal affection; a fraternal embrace. -- Fra*ter"nal*ly, adv.
    An abhorred, a cursed, a fraternal war. Milton.
    Fraternal love and friendship. Addison.

Webster 1913