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kith

noun
\ ˈkith How to pronounce kith (audio) \

Definition of kith

: familiar friends, neighbors, or relatives kith and kin
The Evolution of Kith More Example Sentences Learn More about kith

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The Evolution of Kith

Kith has had many meanings over the years. In its earliest uses it referred to knowledge of something, but that meaning died out in the 1400s. Another sense, "one's native land," had come and gone by the early 1500s. The sense "friends, fellow countrymen, or neighbors" developed before the 12th century and was sometimes used as a synonym of kinsfolk. That last sense got kith into hot water after people began using the word in the alliterative phrase "kith and kin." Over the years, usage commentators have complained that kith means the same thing as kin, so "kith and kin" is redundant. Clearly, they have overlooked some other historical definitions, but if you want to avoid redundancy charges, be sure to include friends as well as relatives among your "kith and kin."

Examples of kith in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 According to Ms Debos, the need for France’s intervention showed that some high-ranking officers were unwilling to fight their kith and kin among the rebels. — The Economist, "Idriss Déby, Chad’s despot, is struggling to stay in power," 18 July 2019 Although Edward IV had the Lancastrian King Henry VI secretly murdered in the Tower in 1471, to close off the enemy dynasty, Richard couldn’t get away with the same thing with his own kith and kin 12 years later. — Andrew Roberts, WSJ, "‘Richard III’ Review: The Villain Wore a Crown," 30 Apr. 2018

First Known Use of kith

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for kith

Middle English, from Old English cȳthth; akin to cūth known — more at uncouth

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More Definitions for kith

kith

noun
\ ˈkith How to pronounce kith (audio) \

Kids Definition of kith

: familiar friends and neighbors or relatives We invited our kith and kin.

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