What were the organizations of craftspeople and merchants in European cities called?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The organizations of craftspeople and merchants in European cities were called guilds.
Key Takeaway: In early medieval Europe, artisans and craftspeople often organized into guilds. The guilds existed not only as a kind of fraternal group for their members, but also to encourage public service. The guilds fell somewhere between cartels, trade unions, and secret societies. Many of the ritual traditions of guilds still exist in highly secretive groups such as the Freemasons.

What Were the Organizations of Craftspeople and Merchants in European