Ch'I-Lin
/tʃiːˈlɪn/noun
A mythical Chinese creature traditionally regarded as a benevolent omen of peace, prosperity, or the birth of a sage.
Did you know?The qilin was often described as gentle and incapable of harming even an insect, yet its appearance was considered a supernatural political sign announcing an exceptionally wise ruler or sage.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
麒麟
“The name of a legendary auspicious creature; the precise original analysis of the two characters is uncertain.”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
麒麟
“A benevolent omen-bearing mythical animal in literary and religious texts.”
Late Imperial Chinese
Chinese
qílín
“A legendary creature associated with virtue, peace, and auspicious events.”
19th Century
English
ch'i-lin
“An English scholarly transliteration for the Chinese mythical creature.”
Modern English
English
qilin
“The prevailing English pinyin form for the Chinese legendary creature, also called kylin or kirin in related transliterations.”