ODDFELLOWS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "oddfellows" refers to a type of fraternity or benevolent organization that emerged in the late 18th century in the United Kingdom. This voluntary association aims to provide mutual aid, support, and friendship among its members, promoting charitable works and community involvement. Oddfellows are based on the principles of universal brotherhood, equality, and benevolence.
Membership in oddfellows societies is often open to individuals of all social classes, occupations, genders, and faiths, fostering inclusivity and diversity. The term "oddfellows" is believed to have originated from the fact that these organizations included people from various walks of life who did not fit into traditional sense of societal conformity.
The main objectives of oddfellows include offering financial assistance to members during times of illness, unemployment, or bereavement, as well as providing education and support for orphans and widows. Additionally, oddfellows engage in charitable activities like fundraising for schools, hospitals, and community projects, benefiting both their members and the wider society. Rituals, ceremonies, and secret handshakes often form part of the oddfellows' traditions, enhancing the sense of solidarity and brotherhood.
Over time, oddfellows societies have expanded globally, with branches established in many countries. Today, these organizations have evolved to cater to the needs of their local communities, addressing contemporary social issues and advocating for the welfare of their members and society at large.
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A benevolent society having secret signs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ODDFELLOWS
- odd fellows
- oddfellow
- oddfellos
- oddfelloe
- odfellow
- iddfellows
- kddfellows
- lddfellows
- pddfellows
- 0ddfellows
- 9ddfellows
- osdfellows
- oxdfellows
- ocdfellows
- ofdfellows
- ordfellows
- oedfellows
- odsfellows
- odxfellows
- odcfellows
Etymology of ODDFELLOWS
The word "oddfellows" is derived from the combination of two Old Norse words: "odd" and "félaga".
The term "odd" originally meant "point" or "tip", but later came to refer to something "uneven" or "strange". It can also be associated with the concept of "odd numbers" in mathematics, which are not easily divisible.
The word "félaga" means "companion" or "partner", and is related to the English word "fellow".
When combined, "odd" and "félaga" formed the term "oddfélagi", which meant "fellowship of odd companions" or "group of strange partners". This term was eventually anglicized to "oddfellow", referring to a member of a fraternal organization known as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
