GUILDS
Noun
guilds
plural of guild
Proper noun
Guilds
plural of Guild
Source: Wiktionary
GUILD
Guild, n. Etym: [OE. gilds, AS. gild, gield, geld, tribute, a society
or company where payment was made for its charge and support, fr. AS.
gildan, gieldan, to pay. See Yield, v. t.]
1. An association of men belonging to the same class, or engaged in
kindred pursuits, formed for mutual aid and protection; a business
fraternity or corporation; as, the Stationers' Guild; the
Ironmongers' Guild. They were originally licensed by the government,
and endowed with special privileges and authority.
2. A guildhall. [Obs.] Spenser.
3. A religious association or society, organized for charitable
purposes or for assistance in parish work.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition