1. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice. 2. A religious body, especially one that has separated from a larger denomination. 3. A faction united by common interests or beliefs.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English secte, from Old French, from Latin secta, course, school of thought, from feminine past participle of sequ, to follow. See sekw-1 in Appendix I.
s
kt
, to follow. See sekw-1 in Appendix I.
