Guild

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. An association of men belonging to the same class, or engaged in kindred pursuits, formed for mutual aid and protection; a business fraternity or corporation; as, the Stationers' Guild; the Ironmongers' Guild. They were originally licensed by the government, and endowed with special privileges and authority.

2. A guildhall. [Obs.] Spenser.

3. A religious association or society, organized for charitable purposes or for assistance in parish work.