tine

Meanings

Noun

• A spike or point on an implement or tool, especially a prong of a fork or a tooth of a comb.
• A small branch, especially on an antler or horn.
• A wild vetch or tare.
• Trouble; distress; teen.

Adjective

• small, diminutive

Verb

• To kindle; to set on fire.
• To rage; to smart.
• To shut in, or enclose.

Origin

• From Middle English tine, alteration of Middle English tinde, tind, from Old English tind, from Proto-Germanic *tindaz. Cognate with German Zinne. Compare also the related English tind.
• Unknown origin, possibly related to etymology 1.
• See teen.
• See tind.
• From Middle English tynen, from Old English tȳnan, from tūn (modern town).