sect

Meaning

Noun

• An offshoot of a larger religion; a group sharing particular (often unorthodox) political and/or religious beliefs.
• A group following a specific ideal or a leader.
• A cutting; a scion.

Related

Narrower meaning words

• denomination

Broader meaning words

• religion

Origin

• From Middle English secte, from Old French secte ("a sect in philosophy or religion"), from Late Latin secta ("a sect in philosophy or religion, a school, party, faction, class, gild, band, particularly a heretical doctrine or sect, etc."), possibly, from Latin sequi ("to follow"). Alternatively linked to sectus, past participle of secō.