kindred

Definition

Distant and close relatives, collectively; kin.

Etymology

From Middle English kyndrede, from older kynrede (“kindred”), from Old English *cynrēd, *cynrǣden (“kindred, family, stock”), from cynn (“kind, kin, lineage”) + -rǣden (“condition, state”). Equivalent to kin + -red, see these. The -d- is epenthetic between a nasal and a liquid (as e.g. in spindle).

Example Sentences

• "*Behold he commeth with clouds, and euery eye ſhal ſee him,and they alſo which pearced him: and all kinreds of the earth ſhall waıle becauſe of him: euen ſo. Amen."
• "Cla. By heauen, I thinke there is no man ſecure / But the Queenes Kindred, and night-walking Heralds,[…]"
• "He that is in Distress tho' a stranger has a right to claim kindred with the wealthy—"