1. C.J.S. Beneficial Associations §§ 2–3.]
fraternal benefit association
fraternal benefit association. A voluntary organization or society created for its members’ mutual aid and benefit rather than for profit, and whose members have a common and worthy cause, objective, or interest. • These associations usu. have a lodge system, a governing body, rituals, and a benefits system for their members. — Also termed fraternal benefit society; fraternity; fraternal lodge; fraternal order. Cf. FRIENDLY SOCIETY. [Cases: Beneficial Associations