Dictionary entries for 'guild'

Synonyms

guild,
also gild (gĭld)

[Middle English gild, from Old Norse gildi, payment, guild.]

noun

1. An association of persons of the same trade or pursuits, formed to protect mutual interests and maintain standards.
2. A similar association, as of merchants or artisans, in medieval times.
Ecology A group of diverse species, especially animal species, that occupy a common niche in a given community, characterized by exploitation of environmental resources in the same way.