confraternities

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Confraternity \Con`fra*ter"ni*ty\, n.; pl. {Confraternities}.
   [LL. confraternitas: cf. F. confraternit['e]. See
   {Fraternity}.]
   A society or body of men united for some purpose, or in some
   profession; a brotherhood.
   [1913 Webster]

         These live in one society and confraternity. --Stow.
   [1913 Webster]