second cousin

noun

1. a child of a first cousin of one's parent. Compare cousin ( def 1 ).

second cousin

noun

1. the child of a first cousin of either of one's parents

Word History and Origins

Origin of second cousin¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Idioms and Phrases

Something that is related or similar but not quite the same, as in This beef stew is second cousin to boeuf bourguignon . This expression transfers the literal sense of second cousin —that is, the child of the first cousin of one's mother or father—a usage dating from the mid-1600s.

Example Sentences

Charles was, in fact, on his mother's side, second-cousin to an English Earl.

From Project Gutenberg

Second-cousin Charles Adams had been in correspondence with him, and advised him to return.

From Project Gutenberg

Val Dartie, it was true, was a second-cousin, but it was not the thing for Holly to go about with him.

From Project Gutenberg

You are of the noble Austrian blood; the second-cousin of your mother is a grand duke; you must not forget.'

From Project Gutenberg

He was my own second-cousin, and our folks used to visit back and forth a good deal before he was married.

From Project Gutenberg