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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Skein \Skein\, n. [OE. skeyne, OF. escaigne, F. ['e]cagne,
probably of Celtic origin; cf. Ir. sgainne, Gael. sgeinnidh
thread, small twine; or perhaps the English word is
immediately from Celtic.]
1. A quantity of yarn, thread, or the like, put up together,
after it is taken from the reel, -- usually tied in a sort
of knot.
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Note: A skein of cotton yarn is formed by eighty turns of the
thread round a fifty-four inch reel.
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2. (Wagon Making) A metallic strengthening band or thimble on
the wooden arm of an axle. --Knight.
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Skein \Skein\, n. (Zool.)
A flight of wild fowl (wild geese or the like). [Prov. Eng.]
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