next of kin
- a person's nearest relative or relatives: The newspaper did not publish the names of casualties until the next of kin had been notified.
- Law. the nearest relative or relatives who share in the estate of a person who dies intestate.
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Origin of next of kin
First recorded in 1760–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for next of kin
Historical Examples
If he ever got back to Earth, their next-of-kin might want the stuff.
The Measure of a ManRandall Garrett
Say that you insist, as next-of-kin, on having access to your uncle's belongings.
The Chestermarke InstinctJ. S. Fletcher
A year passed, and yet the next-of-kin had heard nothing of the case.
Mysteries of Police and CrimeArthur Griffiths
How much was old Mr. Baskerville's estate sworn at by his next-of-kin?
Mr. Punch at the SeasideVarious
He's a cousin, you know, and a sort of next-of-kin protector and adviser.
The TigressAnne Warner
next of kin
- a person's closest relative or relatives
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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