Demikindred

/ˌdɛmɪˈkɪndrɛd/ noun

Definition

A relation that is half or partial kinship; someone who is a relative only through one line of descent or partially related by blood.

Etymology

From 'demi-' (half) + 'kindred,' which comes from Old English 'cyn' (kin) + 'ræden' (condition). The term describes degrees of family relationships that are not full blood relations.

Kelly Says

Medieval inheritance law obsessed over demikindred relationships because they determined who could inherit property—a half-sibling or cousin through only one grandparent had completely different legal rights than full relatives.

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