Who is a 'kinsman' ('kinswoman')

[Shortcut]

I have looked up the official definition of 'kinsman', etc. but am keen to learn about practical (real) relationships that others may have come across.

The term is used in a number of family wills and is distinct from the mention of 'sister', 'brother', 'cousin', 'nephew', 'uncle' etc.

Have you come across this term yourself and, based on your research, have you been able to identify how the 'kinsman' was related? (eg, was he a half-brother or similar?)

Thanks

[emeltom]

All the dictionary definitions basically say a 'blood relative' or ' of the same family; related by blood'

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Thank you emeltom. I'm hoping to learn if others have seen the same term during their research and have been able to work out the actual relationships of those referred to as such.

[amondg]

In my family the kinsman turned out to be cousins

[emeltom]

I have come across a Kinsman mentioned in a Will who was a cousin.

[DRH123]

Kinsman or -woman can be any relative, but it is unlikely to be used for parents, children or siblings. I've certainly seen it used for first or second cousins or their children and also for uncles or aunts, nephews or nieces. Particular writers may have particular preferences, but unless you know that well, it's not safe to assume anything more precise.

The same applies to "cousin".

David

[hanes teulu]

"A Law Dictionary, ...." - author John Cowell, published 1708
Magbote/Maegbote - A recompence for the murder of one's Kinsman or Kinswoman

As such had hoped that somewhere Kinsman/woman was defined legally but no joy.

Originally, the term "pertinens" was used  for kinsman/woman  (Leg, Canute Regis, M.S, cap 48) - from the Latin meaning "to extend, stretch out, belong, relate, pertain, have concern"

[ewk]

I have encountered it used by a 17th C. male writer in reference to another male of a different surname. That made me consider if it might have been used at that time to distinguish, for example, cousins from cousins-in law.

[Shortcut]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Looking further into the the family it seems the relationship may have been second cousin and the children of that cousin.