The next morning, he met the proprietor, who seemed to be a good fellow. Being inclined now to view the incident of the previous evening from its ridiculous side, Burwell explained what had befallen him and was pleased to find a sympathetic listener.

"Why, the man was a fool," declared the proprietor. "Let me see the card; I will tell you what it means." But as he read, his face and manner changed instantly.

"This is a serious matter," he said sternly. "Now I understand why my confrère refused to entertain you. I regret, monsieur, but I shall be obliged to do as he did."

Which type of context clue would help you determine the meaning of the word "confrère" as it is used in the excerpt above?

A. Definition/example clue
B. Restatement/synonym clue
C. Contrast/antonym clue
D. Inference/general knowledge clue