Kirin
/ˈkɪrɪn/noun
A Japanese term for the mythical qilin, and also for a giraffe.
Did you know?In Japanese tradition, the kirin is a benevolent omen said to appear during the reign of a just ruler, making it an ancient symbol of moral power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Old Chinese
麒麟
“The name of a legendary auspicious creature; the precise original word history is uncertain.”
Medieval China
Middle Chinese
qilin
“A benevolent, omen-bearing mythical animal associated with virtue and peaceful rule.”
8th–10th Century
Japanese
kirin
“A Japanese borrowing of Chinese 麒麟, referring to the legendary creature.”
15th Century
Japanese
kirin
“A term also applied to the giraffe after giraffes reached East Asia and were identified with the auspicious qilin.”
Modern English
English
kirin
“An English loanword used for the Japanese mythical creature, and sometimes for the Japanese word or brand name.”