Kylin
/ˈkaɪ.lɪn/noun
A mythical Chinese creature traditionally depicted as a benevolent, hooved chimera associated with wisdom, prosperity, and the arrival of virtuous rulers.
Did you know?When Zheng He’s fleet brought a giraffe to China in 1414, court officials identified it as a qilin, interpreting its arrival as proof of the emperor’s virtue.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Old Chinese
麒麟
“The written name of a legendary auspicious creature; its precise earliest pronunciation and ultimate origin remain uncertain.”
6th–10th Century
Middle Chinese
麒麟
“A benevolent supernatural animal associated with righteous rule, peace, and auspicious portents.”
16th Century
Portuguese
quilim
“A form recorded in European descriptions of the Chinese qilin.”
17th–19th Century
European English
kylin
“An English transliteration and variant spelling for the Chinese mythical creature.”
Modern English
English
kylin
“A variant of qilin, commonly used in English-language writing about Chinese mythology and symbolism.”