Etymology

From < , from , a compound of and from the noun .

The sense of “type”, “kind” is from the application of the phrase ‘’ to families: the word thus came to mean ‘’.

Usage notes

Used following a person’s name to show that he lives in a place of the same name, eg Johnstone of that ilk means Johnstone of Johnstone.

Noun

1. The kind or class of people that resemble, behave in a manner similar to, or are of the same social status as a certain person.
   • 1906 — Upton Sinclair, The Jungle, Ch. 25

     “Hinkydink” or “Bathhouse John,” or others of that ilk, were proprietors of the most notorious dives in Chicago...

Usage notes

Most frequently used in the phrase .
Really an adjective followed by the implied noun type or kind (like American for American person), ilk has no plural.

Etymology

From the , from , a compound of and from the noun .

Cognate to English .

Usage notes

• Used following a person’s name to show that he lives in a place of the same name, eg Johnstone of that ilk means Johnstone of Johnstone.

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