Clan (?), n. [Gael. clann offspring, descendants; akin to Ir. clann, cland, offspring, tribe, family; perh. from L. plania scion, slip, cutting. Cf. Plant, n.]
1.
A tribe or collection of families, united under a chieftain, regarded as having the same common ancestor, and bearing the same surname; as, the clan of Macdonald.
"I have marshaled my
clan."
Campbell.
2.
A clique; a sect, society, or body of persons; esp., a body of persons united by some common interest or pursuit; -- sometimes used contemptuously.
Partidge and the rest of his clan may hoot me.
Smolett.
The whole clan of the enlightened among us.
Burke.
© Webster 1913.