The word may derive from the Latin saeptum, meaning "enclosure" or "fold",[3] or via an alteration of "sect".
[6] Bonds of manrent and friendship tied obviously non-related kin groups into a wider military, political, and land/food resource sharing clanship.
Such lists date back to the 19th century, when clan societies and tartan manufacturers attempted to capitalise on the enthusiasm and interest for all things Scottish.
Historically, the term "sept" was not used in Ireland until the 19th century, long after any notion of clanship had been eradicated.
This would imply that Ireland possessed no formalised clan system, which is not wholly accurate.