skein

UK: skeɪn | US: skeɪn

Definition

  1. n. a length of thread or yarn wound in a loose coil

  2. n. (figurative) a complex or tangled arrangement (e.g., "a skein of lies")

  3. n. (ornithology) a flock of geese or swans in flight

Structure
skein <coil, from Old French *escagne*>
Etymology

The word "skein" traces back to Old French escagne, meaning "a hank of yarn." It likely entered Middle English via Anglo-Norman, retaining its core meaning of a coiled thread. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe anything intricately tangled (e.g., "skein of lies") and adopted a specialized ornithological sense for the V-shaped flight formation of birds, resembling unraveling yarn. The spelling remained stable, reflecting its French roots.

Examples

  1. She untangled the colorful skein of wool before knitting.

  2. The detective unraveled a skein of deceit in the case.

  3. A skein of geese crossed the autumn sky at dusk.

  4. The old chest held skeins of silk from distant lands.

  5. His explanation only added to the skein of confusion.