Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Clan \Clan\, n. [Gael. clann offspring, descendants; akin to Ir.
   clann, cland, offspring, tribe, family; perh. from L. plania
   scion, slip, cutting. Cf. {Plant}, n.]
   1. A tribe or collection of families, united under a
      chieftain, regarded as having the same common ancestor,
      and bearing the same surname; as, the clan of Macdonald.
      ``I have marshaled my clan.'' --Campbell.

   2. A clique; a sect, society, or body of persons; esp., a
      body of persons united by some common interest or pursuit;
      -- sometimes used contemptuously.

            Partidge and the rest of his clan may hoot me.
                                                  --Smolett.

            The whole clan of the enlightened among us. --Burke.

Source : WordNet®

clan
     n : group of people related by blood or marriage [syn: {kin}, {kin
         group}, {kinship group}, {kindred}, {tribe}]