Guild

(gild.) [From A.S. gild an, to pay.] (Com.) A company, fraternity, or corporation, a ociated for some commercial purpose, of which every member was to pay a quota of the current expenses. The G. of the Anglo-Saxons, unlike those of more modern times, were not confined to mercantile purposes. They became ultimately so powerful, in London and other places, that admi ion into them was an e ential qualification for the exercise of municipal rights. In Germany, where they dated from 1153, G. formed the nucleus of the celebrated Hanseatic League. Abolished in Ru ia in 1810, they were reëstablished in 1840. In France, they were finally dis incorporated in 1791. [s. 429]