Definition

Noun: 1. A bond of close friendship considered to be as strong as the tie between biological brothers; the characteristic loyalty and solidarity of blood brothers. This term refers to a profound, sworn friendship, often formalized by a ritual, that is considered as binding as a familial relationship.

Usage

The noun "blood brotherhood" is used to describe the state, quality, or bond of such a sworn friendship. It is a formal and somewhat literary term. - The two warriors entered into a sacred blood brotherhood, vowing to protect each other for life. - Their relationship transcended mere friendship; it was a true blood brotherhood.

Advanced Usage

• "to swear/pledge blood brotherhood": to formally enter into this bond through an oath or ceremony.
  • The leaders of the two tribes swore blood brotherhood to ensure lasting peace.

Variants and Related Words

• Blood brother (n): A man bound to another by this oath; a sworn brother.
  • He was not my relative by birth, but he was my blood brother.
• Brotherhood (n): The broader state or feeling of companionship and mutual support among a group, which can be literal (among brothers) or figurative (among members of an organization).
  • There was a strong sense of brotherhood among the firefighters.

Synonyms

• Sworn brotherhood: A bond established by a solemn oath.
• Fraternal bond: A bond characteristic of brothers (from "frater," Latin for brother).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Thicker than water": While not containing the target word, this idiom ("Blood is thicker than water") is thematically related, referring to the perceived greater strength of familial bonds. "Blood brotherhood" creates a bond intended to be as thick as blood.
• "Brother in arms": A comrade with whom one has shared military service and danger, implying a bond similar to brotherhood.

Noun

1. the friendship characteristic of blood brothers