bratva

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Russian братва́ (bratvá, “brothers; brotherhood”). Doublet of brother.

Noun

bratva (plural bratvas)

1. (countable) A Russian organized crime syndicate/family.

   Synonym: mafiya

2. (as "the bratva") Russian organized crime collectively.

Coordinate terms

• cartel (“Latin American organized crime syndicate”)
• mafia (“Italian organized crime syndicate”)
• mob (“organized crime syndicate”)
• tong (“Chinese organized crime syndicate”)
• triad (“Southeast Asian organized crime syndicate”)
• yakuza (“Japanese organized crime syndicate”)