In Spanish law. A fraternity formed among different towns andvillages to prevent the commission of crimes, and to prevent the abuses and vexationsto which they were subjected by men in power. Bouvier.
[.e]r-man-dad', n. a confederation of the entire burgher class of Spain for police and judicial purposes, formed in 1282, and formally legalised in 1485. [Sp., 'brotherhood,' hermano--L. germanus, kindred.]