Cousin to Sir Francis Drake?

[Little Nell]

From my own research into wills of this period, the use of the word 'cousin' can mean a familial relationship, but this is looser than now.  It can mean a family member, either by marriage or by blood. 

My advice (but there is by no means any imperative to accept it  ) - keep an open mind and look at possibe relationships.  However, given the date, that may be easier said than done.

Nell

[IJDisney]

Here is a reference to the term "cousin" in Shakespeare's time and works:
http://www.shakespeareswords.com/cousin

Did you read the link I posted?

Shakespeare and Francis Drake's lives overlapped; so the words, and meanings, Shakespeare used would be similar to those of Drake.

I did, thank you. I just wondered whether we could assume that language used in two spheres of life (popular plays vs legal documents) could really be said to have the same meaning in both contexts.

[IJDisney]

From my own research into wills of this period, the use of the word 'cousin' can mean a familial relationship, but this is looser than now.  It can mean a family member, either by marriage or by blood. 

My advice (but there is by no means any imperative to accept it  ) - keep an open mind and look at possibe relationships.  However, given the date, that may be easier said than done.

Nell

Thanks. A near relation by blood or marriage. Or maybe a near relation of a near relation.