kin

Everyday

1. Kin means your family and relatives. tree →
2. Next of kin is your closest relative, often named on forms for emergencies. tree →
3. (old-fashioned) Kin can mean people or animals of the same kind. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history, kings and clans protected their kin; on forms, «next of kin»; in science, related animals; phrases: kith and kin (friends and family), next of kin.

Examples

• The hospital called his next of kin. tree →
• They gathered all their kin for the wedding. tree →
• Kith and kin means friends and relatives. tree →
• Wolves protect their kin. tree →
• She is my kin; we share a great-grandmother. tree →

Note

Takes a plural verb: «My kin are coming». Not «a kin». Related: kinship, kinsfolk. Old-fashioned and formal words in many uses.

In Jewish tradition

Close relatives by blood, especially those whose marriage with you is forbidden.

Interpretation. The laws of forbidden relations in Leviticus list which near kin one may not marry, and these rules still guide Jewish marriage law.

Examples

• None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness. (Torah LEV.18.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• except for his kin, that is near unto him, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother; (Torah LEV.21.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister; for he hath made naked his near kin; they shall bear their iniquity. (Torah LEV.20.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Takes a plural verb: «My kin are coming». Not «a kin». Related: kinship, kinsfolk. Old-fashioned and formal words in many uses.