Kith and kin

Meaning

Friends and family collectively.

Usage

Used more in literary or formal contexts expressing circle of relations.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Old English where kith meant acquaintances and kin meant relatives.

The phrase dates back to the fourteenth century in Middle English.