I. ˈskān noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English skeyne, skayne, from Middle French escaigne
1. or skean or skeane “ : a loosely coiled length of yarn or thread wound on a reel in lengths suitable for a manufacturing process (as dyeing) or for sale as knitting wool or embroidery floss ; also : such a bundle containing a given amount — compare hank
2. : something suggesting the twistings and contortions of a skein
unravel the tangled skein of evidence
3. : a flock of wild fowl (as geese or ducks) in flight — compare gaggle
4. : spireme
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to wind into skeins
III. ˈskān noun
( -s )
Etymology: Dutch scheen narrow strip, shin, from Middle Dutch schene — more at shin
1. also skain “ : a trimmed strip of osier made from splits for basketwork
2. : a metal thimble on an axletree arm