Clan (klăn), 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.