skein
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2 ENTRIES FOUND:

1skein

noun \ˈskān\

Definition of SKEIN

1
also skean or skeane \ˈskān\ : a loosely coiled length of yarn or thread wound on a reel
2
: something suggesting the twists or coils of a skein : tangle
3
: a flock of wildfowl (as geese or ducks) in flight

Origin of SKEIN

Middle English skeyne, from Middle French (Picard) escagne, probably from Vulgar Latin *scamnia, from *scamniare to wind yarn, from *scamnium rack for holding bobbins, from Latin scamnum bench, stool — more at shambles
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, zygodactyl

2skein

transitive verb

Definition of SKEIN

: to wind into skeins <skein yarn>

First Known Use of SKEIN

circa 1775

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