Pronunciation: [fɹˌatɹɪt͡ʃˈɛli] (IPA) 
The term "Fratricelli", referring to a medieval Christian sect, is spelled with two "c"s and two "l"s. The initial "fr" is pronounced as /fr/ and the first "c" as /k/. The "a" is pronounced as /æ/ and the subsequent "t" is pronounced as /t/. The second "i" is pronounced as /i/ and the final "c" as /tʃ/. The final "e" is not pronounced. The IPA symbol for this word is /fræt.riˈtʃɛl.i/.
Fratricelli is a term with historical and religious connotations. It originated from the Latin word "frater," which means brother, and refers to a dissident movement within the Franciscan order during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Fratricelli, also known as Spiritual Franciscans or Little Brothers of Christ, were a subgroup that emerged within the larger Franciscan community due to disagreements over the interpretation and observance of the rule established by St. Francis of Assisi.
These dissidents were characterized by their strict adherence to poverty and austerity, believing that the original ideals of the Franciscan order had been corrupted. They denounced the perceived materialism and power within the Church, advocating for a return to a more simplistic and ascetic way of life. This put them at odds with the established religious authority, and the Fratricelli often faced persecution for their beliefs.
The term Fratricelli is also used more broadly to describe religious sects or groups that arise within a larger religious community or movement and hold divergent beliefs or practices. It signifies a split or division within the fraternity, where members become spiritual brothers in opposition to prevailing doctrine or authority. The use of the term can vary depending on historical context and religious tradition, but it generally denotes a dissident or splinter group that emerges within a religious community.
The word "Fratricelli" is of Italian origin and stems from the Latin term "fratricellus", which means "little brother". It is a diminutive form of "frater", meaning "brother". The term was first used to refer to a specific group of strict Observant Franciscans in the 13th century, who were considered a "fringe" movement within the order. They advocated for a return to the original, strict teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, which often brought them into conflict with the mainline Franciscan order. Over time, the term "Fratricelli" came to be used more broadly to describe any group or individuals who were seen as excessively strict or extreme in their religious beliefs and practices, particularly within the context of Catholicism.
