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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A guildhall. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A religious association or society, organized for charitable purposes or for assistance in parish work. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Liable to a tax. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ D. gulden, orig., golden. Cf. Golden. ] A Dutch silver coin worth about forty cents; -- called also florin and gulden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The hall where a guild or corporation usually assembles; a townhall. [ 1913 Webster ]