Kilburn. Expresses the kil, or cell, of “one Godwynne, a holy hermit,” beside the bourn, or brook.
Kildare. From the Celtic kildara, the cell or hermitage among the oaks. A monastery was founded here by St Bridget towards the close of the fifth century.
Kilkenny. The kil, or church, of St Kenny or Canice in connection with the ancient abbey dedicated to St John.
Killarney. A corruption of “Killeaney,” from the church of the Dominican monastery on the banks of the River Leane.
Kindergarten. Expresses the German for a children’s garden or playground. The system of juvenile education so called aims at self-tuition by means of toys and games.
Kinetoscope. The name originally given to our modern “living pictures,” from the Greek kinetikos, “putting in motion.” See “[Mutoscope].”
King Charles Spaniel. The small species of “Spaniel” which was such a favourite with Charles I.
King Edward’s Grammar School. A superior academical institution founded and endowed for the tuition of Latin and Greek grammar by Edward VI.
King Edward Street. After Edward VI., the “Boy King,” founder of Christ’s Hospital, or Blue Coat Grammar School, hard by.
Kingfisher. The king of fisher birds that dive into water for their prey, so called on account of its gay plumage.