kith

[ kith ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. acquaintances, friends, neighbors, or the like; persons living in the same general locality and forming a more or less cohesive group.
2. kindred ( def 1 ).
3. a group of people living in the same area and forming a culture with a common language, customs, economy, etc., usually endogamous.

kith

/ kɪθ /

noun

1. one's friends and acquaintances (esp in the phrase kith and kin )

Word History and Origins

Origin of kith¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cȳth, earlier cȳththu “kinship, knowledge,” equivalent to cūth couth ² + -thu -th ¹; akin to Gothic kunthi, German Kunde “knowledge”

Word History and Origins

Origin of kith¹

Old English cӯthth, from cūth; see uncouth

Example Sentences

For his installation, “kith and kin,” Moore has drawn a family tree in chalk on the walls and ceiling of the Australia Pavilion.

From New York Times

"I didn't want to see terrorists in government, their people have murdered our kith and kin over the years."

From BBC

It is us, kith and kin, born of human misadventure.

From New York Times

On Monday Justice MR Shah said the "next of kith and kin of the deceased person" shall be paid this compensation within a month of applying.

From BBC

Gander residents renewed this rite not out of fear of divine punishment but as an affirmation of civilization, which extends cooperation and reciprocity beyond kith and kin.

From Los Angeles Times