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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Wiltshire => Topic started by: Shortcut on Friday 08 September 23 08:12 BST (UK)

Title: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: Shortcut on Friday 08 September 23 08:12 BST (UK)

I have looked up the official definition of 'kinsman', etc. but am keen to learn about practical (real) relationships that others may have come across.

The term is used in a number of family wills and is distinct from the mention of 'sister', 'brother', 'cousin', 'nephew', 'uncle' etc.

Have you come across this term yourself and, based on your research, have you been able to identify how the 'kinsman' was related? (eg, was he a half-brother or similar?)

Thanks

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: emeltom on Friday 08 September 23 13:07 BST (UK)

All the dictionary definitions basically say a 'blood relative' or ' of the same family; related by blood'

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: Shortcut on Saturday 09 September 23 07:18 BST (UK)

Thank you emeltom. I'm hoping to learn if others have seen the same term during their research and have been able to work out the actual relationships of those referred to as such.

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: amondg on Saturday 09 September 23 07:34 BST (UK)

In my family the kinsman turned out to be cousins

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: emeltom on Saturday 09 September 23 08:31 BST (UK)

I have come across a Kinsman mentioned in a Will who was a cousin.

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: DRH123 on Sunday 10 September 23 13:37 BST (UK)

Kinsman or -woman can be any relative, but it is unlikely to be used for parents, children or siblings. I've certainly seen it used for first or second cousins or their children and also for uncles or aunts, nephews or nieces. Particular writers may have particular preferences, but unless you know that well, it's not safe to assume anything more precise.

The same applies to "cousin".

David

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: hanes teulu on Sunday 10 September 23 14:33 BST (UK)

"A Law Dictionary, ...." - author John Cowell, published 1708
Magbote/Maegbote - A recompence for the murder of one's Kinsman or Kinswoman

As such had hoped that somewhere Kinsman/woman was defined legally but no joy.

Originally, the term "pertinens" was used  for kinsman/woman  (Leg, Canute Regis, M.S, cap 48) - from the Latin meaning "to extend, stretch out, belong, relate, pertain, have concern"

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: ewk on Monday 27 November 23 21:52 GMT (UK)

I have encountered it used by a 17th C. male writer in reference to another male of a different surname. That made me consider if it might have been used at that time to distinguish, for example, cousins from cousins-in law.

Title: Re: Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')
Post by: Shortcut on Sunday 10 December 23 03:01 GMT (UK)

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Looking further into the the family it seems the relationship may have been second cousin and the children of that cousin.