Eyne

/ˈaɪn/ noun

Definition

An archaic plural form of 'eye', used in Middle English and Early Modern English to mean multiple eyes.

Etymology

From Old English 'eagan', the plural of 'eage' (eye), this form persisted through Middle English as 'eyne' or 'eyen' before being replaced by the modern 'eyes'.

Kelly Says

Shakespeare would have been familiar with 'eyne'—it's a ghostly reminder that even basic words like 'eye' had completely different plural forms, and 'eyes' is actually the younger innovation!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.