Cain

¹

[keyn]

noun

1. (in the Bible) the first son of Adam and Eve, who murdered his brother Abel.

2. a murderer.

Cain

²

[keyn]

noun

1. James M., 1892–1977, U.S. novelist.

cain

³

Scot., kane

[keyn]

noun

Scot. and Irish English.

1. rent paid in kind, especially a percentage of a farm crop.

Cain

¹

/ keɪn /

noun

1. the first son of Adam and Eve, who killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:1–16)

2. 1. to cause a commotion

   2. to react or protest heatedly

cain

²

/ keɪn /

noun

1. history (in Scotland and Ireland) payment in kind, usually farm produce paid as rent

Other Word Forms

• Cainism noun
• Cainitic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cain¹

Middle English ( Scots ) cane, from Scots Gaelic; compare Old Irish cáin “statute, law, rent”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cain¹

C12: from Scottish Gaelic cāin rent, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin canōn tribute (see _canon ); compare Middle Irish cāin law

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. raise Cain,

   1. become angry or violent.

      He'll raise Cain when he finds out I lost his watch.

   2. to behave in a boisterous manner; cause a disturbance.

      The students raised Cain while the teacher was out.

see raise Cain.

Example Sentences

Loren Cain, who was born and raised in Orem and studied at Utah Valley University, said the world feels off kilter.

From Los Angeles Times

Watters’ fellow Fox News host Will Cain was audibly upset when he announced the news of Kirk’s passing on the network.

From Salon

Hint to Hollywood: There’s this fella named Dean Cain just ready to be cast in that role.

From Los Angeles Times

“Who’s telling the truth?” host Will Cain asked, before proceeding with apparent sarcasm.

From Salon

Will Cain delivered the news with a halting discipline and just a jab or two, calling the governor a “shadow” of their beloved leader.

From Los Angeles Times