kith
UK[kɪθ]US[kɪθ]
n
one's friends, acquaintances, and relations.
Etymology
the word 'kith' originates from the old english 'cȳþþ' or 'cȳþþu', meaning 'knowledge, acquaintance, native land'. these old english forms derive from the proto-germanic 'kunþithō', a noun related to the concept of knowledge and familiarity, itself from the proto-indo-european root 'ǵneh₃-', meaning 'to know'. historically, 'kith' was used to denote one's native land or the people known to one. its modern meaning, almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 'kith and kin', meaning friends and family, crystallized in middle english. the pairing with 'kin' (relatives) helped specialize 'kith' to refer to acquaintances and friends from one's homeland or community, distinct from blood relations.
Analysis
the word 'kith' is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he was surrounded by his kith and kin at the celebration.
in times of trouble, you learn who your true kith are.
the old sailor longed for the company of his kith back in his coastal village.