Eyn

/ˈeɪn/ pronoun

Definition

An archaic form of the pronoun 'own', used in Middle English to indicate possession.

Etymology

From Old English 'agen' and Old Norse 'eiginn', this pronoun evolved through Middle English as 'eyn' or 'eyne' before becoming the modern 'own'.

Kelly Says

Before English settled on 'own', speakers used 'eyn' and its variants—watching pronouns change shows how fluid language is, and how what feels permanent today might sound weird in a few centuries!

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