gens noun. [dʒɛnz] Pl. gentes ['dʒɛnti:z, -teɪz]. M19.
[Latin, from base of gignere beget.]
1. In ancient Rome: a group of families with a supposed common origin, a common name, and common religious rites. Also, a similar group of families in other cultures, e.g. in ancient Greece [translating Greek genos]. M19.

2. Anthropology. A kinship group composed of people related through their male ancestors. L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲