See Also: minikin(dictionary)

confiner (iou) and minikin (iou)


confiner (iou)



confiner noun. L16.
[from CONFINE noun or verb + -ER1.]
A borderer, a neighbour. L16-L17.
An inhabitant. L16-E17.
A person who or thing which confines. rare. M17.

minikin (iou)



minikin noun & adjective. M16.
[Dutch minneken, from minne love + -ken -KIN.]
A. noun.
A small or insignificant person or thing. Also spec., (a term of endearment for) a slight young girl or woman (now dial.). M16.
A thin string of gut used for the treble string of a lute or viol. Also minikin string. Long rare. M16.
A kind of small pin. Also minikin pin. E18.
b. adjective.
Orig., dainty, elegant, sprightly. Now (derog.), affected, mincing. M16.
Of a thing: diminutive; miniature; tiny. L16.
Of a voice: shrill. Only in E17.
Designating a kind of baize. E17-E18.
Special collocations: minikin pin = sense A.3 above. minikin string = sense A.2 above.