mankyn

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Inherited from Old English mancynn, from Proto-West Germanic *manakuni, from Proto-Germanic *manakunją. By surface analysis, man (man, human) +‎ kyn (kin); compare mankynde.

Pronunciation

Noun

mankyn (uncountable, genitive singular mankynnes, dative singular mankynne)

  1. Humankind, humanity; the human race.
    Synonym: mankynde
  2. (Early Middle English) A grouping of humans (e.g. an army or ethnicity)
  3. (rare) Human nature or form.
    Synonym: mankynde

Usage notes

  • mankynde is the more usual term for "mankind" after the Early Middle English period.

References