kith

American  

[kith] / kɪθ /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. acquaintances, friends, neighbors, or the like; persons living in the same general locality and forming a more or less cohesive group.

2. kindred.

3. a group of people living in the same area and forming a culture with a common language, customs, economy, etc., usually endogamous.

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kith British  

/ kɪθ /

noun

1. one's friends and acquaintances (esp in the phrase kith and kin )

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Etymology

Origin of kith

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cȳth, earlier cȳththu “kinship, knowledge,” equivalent to cūth couth ² + -thu -th ¹; akin to Gothic kunthi, German Kunde “knowledge”

Example Sentences

It was believed that if one killed a crane, its kith and kin would flock to the killer's home, hold vigil and mourn by collectively honking until the person went mad or even died.

From BBC

For his installation, “kith and kin,” Moore has drawn a family tree in chalk on the walls and ceiling of the Australia Pavilion.

From New York Times

"I didn't want to see terrorists in government, their people have murdered our kith and kin over the years."

From BBC

It is us, kith and kin, born of human misadventure.

From New York Times

On Monday Justice MR Shah said the "next of kith and kin of the deceased person" shall be paid this compensation within a month of applying.

From BBC