Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "طائفة" in Arabic language version.
c.1300, "distinctive system of beliefs or observances; party or school within a religion," from Old French secte, from Late Latin secta "religious group, sect," from Latin secta "manner, mode, following, school of thought," literally "a way, road," from fem. of sectus, variant past participle of sequi "follow," from PIE *sekw- "to follow" (see sequel).
c.1300, "distinctive system of beliefs or observances; party or school within a religion," from Old French secte, from Late Latin secta "religious group, sect," from Latin secta "manner, mode, following, school of thought," literally "a way, road," from fem. of sectus, variant past participle of sequi "follow," from PIE *sekw- "to follow" (see sequel).
