gens

noun4

1. •
   A tribal subgroup whose members are characterized by having the same descent, usually along the male line; clan.
2. •
   (historical) A legally defined unit of Roman society, being a collection of people related through a common ancestor by birth, marriage or adoption, possibly over many generations, and sharing the same nomen gentilicium.
3. •
   plural of gen (clipping of generation).
4. •
   A host-specific lineage of a brood parasite species.