Cous"in (k?z"'n), n. [F. cousin, LL. cosinus, cusinus, contr. from L. consobrinus the child of a mother's sister, cousin; con- + sobrinus a cousin by the mother's side, a form derived fr. soror (forsosor) sister. See Sister, and cf. Cozen, Coz.]

1.

One collaterally related more remotely than a brother or sister; especially, the son or daughter of an uncle or aunt.

⇒ The children of brothers and sisters are usually denominated first cousins, or cousins-german. In the second generation, they are called second cousins. See Cater-cousin, and Quater-cousin.

Thou art, great lord, my father's sister's son, A cousin-german to great Priam's seed. Shak.

2.

A title formerly given by a king to a nobleman, particularly to those of the council. In English writs, etc., issued by the crown, it signifies any earl.

My noble lords and cousins, all, good morrow. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Cous"in, n.

Allied; akin.

[Obs.]

Chaucer.

 

© Webster 1913.

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