Dictionary

1sect

noun \ˈsekt\

: a religious group that is a smaller part of a larger group and whose members all share similar beliefs

: a religious or political group that is connected to a larger group but that has beliefs that differ greatly from those of the main group

Full Definition of SECT

1
a :  a dissenting or schismatic religious body; especially :  one regarded as extreme or heretical
b :  a religious denomination
2
archaic :  sex 1 <so is all her sect — Shakespeare>
3
a :  a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader
b :  party
c :  faction
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of SECT

Middle English secte, from Anglo-French & Late Latin & Latin; Anglo-French, group, faction, from Late Latin secta organized ecclesiastical body, from Latin, course of action, way of life, probably from sectari to pursue, frequentative of sequi to follow — more at sue
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

Rhymes with SECT

2sect

abbreviation

Definition of SECT

Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody
SECT Defined for Kids

sect

noun \ˈsekt\

Definition of SECT for Kids

:  a group within a religion which has a special set of teachings or a special way of doing things

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: sectaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: secretumAll Words Near: sect
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears