Cousin

Kindred in the fourth degree, being the issue (male or female) of the brother or sister of one’s father or mother. Those who descend from the brother or sister of the father of the person spoken of are called “paternal cousins,” “maternal cousins” are those who are descended from the brothers or sisters of the mother. In English writs, commissions, and other formal instruments issued by the crown, the word siguifles any peer of the degree of anearl, The appellation is as ancient as the reign of Henry 1V., who, being related or allied to every earl then in the kingdom, acknowledged that connection in all his letters and publie acts; from which the usa has descended to his successors, though the reason has long ago failed, Mozley & Whitley.