What does the word "sept" mean when used in reference to Scottish clan

Question:I have been researching clan Walker, and I recently read something on a genealogy site that said Walker is a sept of Stewart of Appin. Does anyone know what this means?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have been researching clan Walker, and I recently read something on a genealogy site that said Walker is a sept of Stewart of Appin. Does anyone know what this means?

As part of the Scottish clan system, a "sept" is a branch of a larger family; in other words, it is an allied or dependent family within a larger clan.

Originally, "sept" applied exclusively to Irish kinship groups, but during the 19th century, Scots begin to use it to explain the use of a variety of surnames by members of a single extended family group.

To site some examples of allied families within a single clan (which is now considered preferrable to the term "sept"), McGuires are also members of the Macquarrie clan; Allisons, MacDonnells, and Donaldsons are members of the MacDonald clan, and Kendricks, MacHenrys, and Hendersons are members of the Henderson clan. In other words, traditionally, the Walker family was allied with the more powerful Stewart family.

A sept is an English word for a division of a family, especially a division of a clan, probably an altered form of sect.
Hope this helps.

"sept. n. in ancient Ireland, a division of a tribe; a similar division elsewhere, as a division of a Scottish clan. [Prob. for sect; influenced by septum.]"

It means that the family name Walker comes under the Clan Stewart.