"My question: Is it possible that these terms, "cousin" and "uncle", were used interchangeably, or even oppositely, to what they mean today?" I'd be interested in the answers/opinions re your original question above. Carol Dreier ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rev. Jim Bridges" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 3:21 PM Subject: [ILSTCLAI] German Terms | Thanks to everyone who attempted a help on the uncle-cousin problem. At this point it is not yet solved, but I did receive several pointers which may eventually resolve the issue. | | Jim Bridges | | ______________________________

> "My question: Is it possible that these terms, "cousin" and "uncle", > were used interchangeably, or even oppositely, to what they mean today?" > > I'd be interested in the answers/opinions re your original question > above. The consensus has been that the terms were not used interchangeably. Cousin was used somewhat more loosely than it is today, and it could include those we now consider our uncles and aunts. The term for uncle that was under question is "oheim" - which is not used that often. It means uncle, mother's brother, but in some cases, it can also refer to grandfather. Jim Bridges