a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith; a religious denomination.

a group regarded as heretical or as deviating from a generally accepted religious tradition.

(in the sociology of religion) a Christian denomination characterized by insistence on strict qualifications for membership, as distinguished from the more inclusive groups called churches.

any group, party, or faction united by a specific doctrine or under a doctrinal leader.

noun

camp , church , communion , connection , creed , crew , cult , denomination , division , faction , faith , following , group , order , party , persuasion , religion , school , splinter group , team , wingnotes:a sect is a rule defined by some doctrinal difference , a cult by allegiance to an idea or commanding personality , confession , caste , clan