from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cousin \Cous"in\ (k[u^]z"'n), 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]
Note: 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]