-kin

From Middle English -kin, -kinne, -kunne, from Old English cynna the genitive plural of cynn ("kind, sort, rank"), used in compounds. Compare otherkin.

Full definition of -kin

Suffix

1. (Now chiefly dialectal) A suffix used to form adjectives expressing resemblance or likeness to, similar to -like.alkinDutchkinilkinweirdkinwhatkin
2. A suffix used to form nouns having qualities of or belonging to a particular kind, class, or sort.otakukinotherkin

From Middle English -kin, -ken, probably from Middle Dutch -ken, apparently representing Proto-Germanic *-ukīną, a double diminutive, from Proto-Germanic *-ukaz (Compare Old English -oc) + Proto-Germanic *-īną (Compare Old English -en). Cognate with Dutch -ken, Low German -ken, German -chen. More at -ock, -en.

Suffix

1. (now archaic) Forming diminutives of nouns.

Derived terms

• bodkin
• boykin
• catkin
• devilkin
• manikin
• ladykin
• lambkin
• manikin
• munchkin
• napkin
• pannikin
• pumpkin

Related terms

• -kins