tribe

An ethnic group larger than a band or clan (and which may contain clans) but smaller than a nation (and which in turn may constitute a nation with other tribes). The tribe is often the basis of ethnic identity.

the Twelve Tribes of Israel; Germanic tribes; Celtic tribes

The Formation of Kazakh Identity: From Tribe to Nation-state

A tribal nation or people.

This leaves for consideration of this group of small tribes, or subtribes, so far as mapped by the writer quoted, the Teule, Cazcan, and Tecuexe.

A nation or people considered culturally primitive, as may be the case in Africa, Australia or Native America.

A socially cohesive group of people within a society.

Near-synonyms: nation; ingroup

She found her tribe among fellow cross-stitchers.

A class or group of things.

In 1968, estimates of the number of active reprint publishers ranged from about 20 to 100 publishers. The fact that almost 300 U.S. reprint publishers have been identified is evidence that the reprint tribe continues to increase.

To distribute into tribes or classes; to categorize.

1696-1699, William Nicolson, English Historical Library Our fowl, fish, and quadruped are well tribed.

A surname.