Sippe

Sippe is German for "clan, kindred, extended family" (Frisian Sibbe, Norse Sifjar).

It continues a Proto-Germanic term *sebjō, which referred to a band or confederation bound by a treaty or oath, not primarily restricted to blood relations. The original character of sippe as a peace treaty is visible in Old English, e.g. in Beowulf (v. 1858): hafast þû gefêred, þæt þâm folcum sceal, Geáta leódum ond Gâr-Denum sib gemæne ond sacu restan.