cousin

n. [ F. cousin, LL. cosinus, cusinus, contr. from L. consobrinus the child of a mother's sister, cousin; con- + sobrinus a cousin by the mother's side, a form derived fr. soror (for sosor) sister. See Sister, and cf. Cozen, Coz. ] 1. One collaterally related more remotely than a brother or sister; especially, the son or daughter of an uncle or aunt. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The children of brothers and sisters are usually denominated first cousins, or cousins-german. In the second generation, they are called second cousins. See Cater-cousin, and Quater-cousin. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou art, great lord, my father's sister's son,
A cousin-german to great Priam's seed. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A title formerly given by a king to a nobleman, particularly to those of the council. In English writs, etc., issued by the crown, it signifies any earl. [ 1913 Webster ]

My noble lords and cousins, all, good morrow. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]