n. pl. phra·tries 1. A kinship group constituting an intermediate division in the primitive structure of the Hellenic tribe or phyle, consisting of several patrilinear clans, and surviving in classical times as a territorial subdivision in the political and military organization of the Athenian state. 2. Anthropology An exogamous subdivision of the tribe, constituting two or more related clans. [Greek phrātriā, from phrātēr, phrātr-, fellow member of a clan; see bhrāter- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] phratric adj. |
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