Obs. [a. Fr. affin, OFr. afin:—L. affīn-em, adj. and sb., related, or a relation, by marriage, lit. ‘bordering upon,’ f. ad to + fīn-is end, border.]
A. sb. A relation by marriage; also, less strictly, one connected or akin, a connection.
a. 1509. Henry VII., in Ellis, Orig. Lett., I. 23. I. 55. His Cousyn and affyne the king of Spayne.
1614. Raleigh, Hist. World, I. 164. The name of Belus, and other names affines unto it.
1641. Prynne, Antipathie, 98. Hee that could but onely reade … should likewise as affines and allies to the holy Orders, be saved, and committed to the Bishops prison.
B. adj. Closely related.
1657. Tomlinson, Renou’s Dispens., 267. Thymelæa indeed and Chamelæa are affine both in form and nature.
