clanship

clanship

A strong sense of clanship united the members of the ancient tribe.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The social system or organization based on clans: "clanship" refers to the structure, customs, and principles that define a society divided into clans, often characterized by kinship ties and collective identity.
    • Loyalty or allegiance to a clan: The strong sense of devotion and faithfulness that members feel toward their clan and its leader.
    • Factionalism or partisan division: A tendency to form exclusive groups or parties, often leading to rivalry or sectarianism.
Usage Examples
  • (The clan-based system governed relationships and obligations.)
  • (His deep loyalty to the clan was evident.)
  • (The situation became characterized by partisan division.)
Advanced Usage
  • "the bonds of clanship": the ties of kinship and mutual support that unite clan members.
    • The bonds of clanship ensured that no family in the village would go hungry during the harsh winter. (The clan's collective responsibility provided for all.)
  • "to transcend clanship": to move beyond narrow group loyalty toward broader cooperation.
    • The leader sought to transcend clanship and unite all tribes under a single government. (He aimed to overcome factionalism.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Clan (n): a group of families with a common ancestor, often sharing a surname.
    • The MacLeod clan gathered for its annual festival. (The extended family group met.)
  • Clannish (adj): tending to form exclusive groups; showing strong loyalty to one's own group.
    • The expatriate community was clannish, rarely mixing with locals. (They kept to themselves.)
  • Clannishness (n): the quality of being clannish; exclusivity.
    • Their clannishness prevented outsiders from joining the club. (Their exclusivity was a barrier.)
Synonyms
  • Tribalism: loyalty to a tribe or social group above larger society.
  • Kinship: blood relationship or family connection.
  • Factionalism: division into opposing groups or factions.
Related Idioms
  • Blood is thicker than water: family ties (or clan loyalty) are stronger than other relationships.
    • In times of crisis, clanship reminds us that blood is thicker than water. (Family bonds take priority.)
  • Circle the wagons: to unite in defense against an external threat, often reflecting clanship.
    • When criticized, the team circled the wagons, showing clanship over individual interests. (They closed ranks.)