† yankyn.

Etymology: Of doubtful status, origin, and meaning. Perhaps Dutch Janke , applied originally to a particular ship, and so identical with Yankee n. and adj. The following examples of Yankee in the proper names of ships may be compared:1776 M. Cutler Jrnl. 16 June in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler Life, Jrnls. & Corr. M. Cutler (1888) I. 55 They were in the Yankee Hero.1813 Examiner 11 Jan. 22/1 The Yankee, American schooner privateer.