sect

noun4

1. •
   An offshoot of a larger religion or denomination.
2. •
   A group following a specific ideal or a leader.

   • Peoples Temple and the Branch Davidians both approximated the 'apocalyptic sect' as an ideal type. In such sects the end of the world is taken as a central tenet. — 1995
3. •
   (historical) An ancient astrological concept, a form of polarity by which heavenly bodies were designated as either diurnal or nocturnal.
4. •
   (no longer used) A cutting; a scion.

adjective1

1. •
   Abbreviation of sectional.

noun1

1. •
   Abbreviation of section.