Qilin
/ˈtʃiː.lɪn/noun
A benevolent mythical Chinese creature traditionally depicted with a dragon-like body, hooves, and supernatural significance.
Did you know?In Chinese tradition, a qilin was so gentle that it supposedly avoided harming even insects and was associated with the appearance of sages or virtuous rulers.
Etymological Timeline
Late Zhou period
Old Chinese
麒麟
“The name of a rare, auspicious mythical creature in early Chinese tradition; its ultimate origin is uncertain.”
Han dynasty
Classical Chinese
麒麟
“An omen-bearing creature associated with virtue, benevolent rule, and extraordinary auspicious events.”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
麒麟
“Pronounced approximately *gjɨ-lin in reconstructed readings, preserving the traditional name.”
17th–19th Century
European Sinology
k'i-lin / chi-lin
“Older European romanizations used by writers describing Chinese mythology and symbolism.”
Modern English
English
qilin
“The modern pinyin-based English form for the Chinese mythical creature.”