(sekt) noun
1. A body of persons distinguished by peculiarities of faith and practice from other bodies adhering to the same general system; specifically, the adherents collectively of a particular creed or confession; a denomination, or an organized body of dissenters from an established or older form of faith.
2. Adherents of a particular philosophical system or teacher.
3. Any number of persons united in opinion or interest, as in the state or in society; a party or faction; an order.
4. A cutting in horticulture. [<OF secte <L secta a following, a faction <sequi follow. Doublet of SET.] Synonyms: church, communion, denomination, heresy, heterodoxy, party, schism, school. Heresy or heterodoxy is a departure from the established doctrine; a schism is a division of the church either on matters of faith or practice; schism is applied also to non–religious organizations. A sect or denomination is an organized body of believers distinct in doctrine or practice, or in both, from others: sect is an opprobrious and denomination an honorable term for the same body. Within a denomination there may be schools differing on minor matters, or parties favoring or opposing certain persons or measures, without breach of essential and organic unity. Church is often used as synonymous with denomination; as, the Presbyterian Church. Communion designates those who share a common faith with reference to their spiritual unity.

Cut; divided (in a specified manner or number of parts): vivisect. Also –sected, as in bisected. [<L sectus, pp. of secare cut]