gens

[jenz] /dʒɛnz/
noun, plural gentes
[jen-teez] /ˈdʒɛn tiz/ (Show IPA)
1.
a group of families in ancient Rome claiming descent from a common ancestor and united by a common name and common ancestral religious rites.
2.
Anthropology. a group tracing common descent in the male line; clan.
Origin
1840-50; < Latin gēns race, people. See genus, gender1, gender2
Related forms
subgens, noun, plural subgentes.
British Dictionary definitions for gens

gens

/dʒɛnz/
noun (pl) gentes (ˈdʒɛntiːz)
1.
(in ancient Rome) any of a group of aristocratic families, having a common name and claiming descent from a common ancestor in the male line
2.
(anthropol) a group based on descent in the male line
Word Origin
C19: from Latin: race; compare genus, gender
Word Origin and History for gens
n.

1847, in reference to ancient Rome, "tribe, clan, house (of families having a name and certain religious rites in common and a presumed common origin)," from Latin gens (genitive gentis) "race, clan, nation" (see genus).