Legal Definitions - brethren

Definition: Brothers, especially those considered spiritual kin (such as male colleagues on a court).

Example: My brethren argue in the dissent that my statutory interpretation is faulty.

Explanation: In this example, "brethren" refers to male colleagues on a court who are considered spiritual kin. The term is used to refer to a group of men who share a common bond or purpose. However, the use of this term has decreased as more women have entered the legal profession and the judiciary.

Additional Example: The brethren of the monastery gathered for morning prayer.

Explanation: In this example, "brethren" refers to the male members of a monastery who are considered spiritual kin. The term is used to refer to a group of men who share a common religious bond and way of life.