kith and kin

American  

plural noun

1. acquaintances and relatives.

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kith and kin Idioms  

1. Friends and family, as in Everyone was invited, kith and kin as well as distant acquaintances. This expression dates from the 1300s and originally meant “countrymen” (kith meant “one's native land”) and “family members.” It gradually took on the present looser sense.

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Etymology

Origin of kith and kin

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

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 • Oct. 4, 2021

Gander residents renewed this rite not out of fear of divine punishment but as an affirmation of civilization, which extends cooperation and reciprocity beyond kith and kin.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2021

I'm not saying that poor families didn't use utensils, but the finer points of table manners were a low priority compared to scrounging up enough food to feed kith and kin.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2019

He lived out his family-first devotion, his loyalty to kith and kin.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2017

Every element lived in harmonious relation with its neighbour, and all was kith and kin.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel