Sect \Sect\, n. [L. secare, sectum, to cut.]

A cutting; a scion. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Sect \Sect\, n. [F. secte, L. sects, fr. sequi to follew; often confused with L. secare, sectum, to cut. See Sue to follow, and cf. Sept, Suit, n.]

Those following a particular leader or authority, or attached to a certain opinion; a company or set having a common belief or allegiance distinct from others; in religion, the believers in a particular creed, or upholders of a particular practice; especially, in modern times, a party dissenting from an established church; a denomination; in philosophy, the disciples of a particular master; a school; in society and the state, an order, rank, class, or party.

He beareth the sign of poverty, And in that sect our Savior saved all mankind. --Piers Plowman.

As of the sect of which that he was born, He kept his lay, to which that he was sworn. --Chaucer.

The cursed sect of that detestable and false prophet Mohammed. --Fabyan.

As concerning this sect [Christians], we know that everywhere it is spoken against. --Acts xxviii. 22.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)