guilds

Refers to sworn confraternities, brotherhoods, or associations formed for the mutual aid, protection of its members, or for the furtherance of professional interests. In the context of art and related disciplines, it refers to associations of artists, craftsmen, tradesmen, or merchants, which flourished in Europe between the 11th and 16th centuries and formed an important part of the economic and social fabric of this period. Most guilds were associated with a particular town or city. Guilds often monitored training, standards of production, and the welfare of their members. Guilds also provided significant patronage of the arts.