guild
UK: ɡɪld | US: ɡɪld
n. an association of people with common interests or goals, especially in trade or crafts
n. a medieval organization of merchants or artisans
The word "guild" traces back to Old English geld or gild, meaning "payment" or "association," likely derived from Proto-Germanic geldaną ("to pay"). Over time, it evolved to denote a collective where members contributed financially (e.g., for mutual aid or trade regulation). Medieval guilds solidified the term's modern sense of a professional or craft-based organization.
The weavers formed a guild to protect their trade secrets.
She joined the local artists' guild to network with other painters.
Medieval guilds often controlled apprenticeship systems.
The guild hosted a fair to showcase members' crafts.
Modern freelancers sometimes create informal guilds for support.