From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Guild \Guild\, n. [OE. gilds, AS. gild, gield, geld, tribute, a
society or company where payment was made for its charge and
support, fr. AS. gildan, gieldan, to pay. See Yield, v. t.]
1. An association of men belonging to the same class, or
engaged in kindred pursuits, formed for mutual aid and
protection; a business fraternity or corporation; as, the
Stationers' Guild; the Ironmongers' Guild. They were
originally licensed by the government, and endowed with
special privileges and authority.
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2. A guildhall. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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3. A religious association or society, organized for
charitable purposes or for assistance in parish work.
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