from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gens \Gens\ (j[e^]nz), n.; pl. {Gentes} (j[e^]n"t[=e]z). [L. See
{Gentle}, a.] (Rom. Hist.)
1. A clan or family connection, embracing several families of
the same stock, who had a common name and certain common
religious rites; a subdivision of the Roman curia or
tribe.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Ethnol.) A minor subdivision of a tribe, among American
aborigines. It includes those who have a common descent,
and bear the same totem.
[1913 Webster]