Sept (social)
|
|
A sept is a division of a family, especially a division of a clan. In Scotland, a sept is often a family that is absorbed into a larger clan for mutual benefit. For example, the Burns family sept was absorbed into the Campbell clan. The Burns family being very small and of questionable heritage gained legitimacy and protection and the Campbell clan absorbed a potential rival for British affection in Scotland.
Septs have rights to wear clan tartans although they often have tartans of their own.