Note: The denomination was founded in Germany in 1708, but
after a few years the members emigrated to the United
States.
{Seventh-day Dunkers}, a sect which separated from the
Dunkers and formed a community, in 1728. They keep the
seventh day or Saturday as the Sabbath.
Two of us in the churchyard lie, My sister and my
brother. --Wordsworth.
2. One related or closely united to another by some common
tie or interest, as of rank, profession, membership in a
society, toil, suffering, etc.; -- used among judges,
clergymen, monks, physicians, lawyers, professors of
religion, etc. ``A brother of your order.'' --Shak.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, For he
to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my
brother. --Shak.
3. One who, or that which, resembles another in distinctive
qualities or traits of character.
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to
him that is a great waster. --Prov. xviii.
9.
That April morn Of this the very brother.
--Wordsworth.
Note: In Scripture, the term brother is applied to a kinsman
by blood more remote than a son of the same parents, as
in the case of Abraham and Lot, Jacob and Laban. In a
more general sense, brother or brethren is used for
fellow-man or fellow-men.
For of whom such massacre Make they but of their
brethren, men of men? --Milton.
{Brother Jonathan}, a humorous designation for the people of
the United States collectively. The phrase is said to have
originated from Washington's referring to the patriotic
Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, as ``Brother
Jonathan.''
{Blood brother}. See under {Blood}.
Note: This form of the plural is used, for the most part, in
solemn address, and in speaking of religious sects or
fraternities, or their members.