Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - kind

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English ~e, from Old English cynd; akin to Old English cynn kin  Date: before 12th century  1.  a. archaic nature  b. archaic family, lineage  2. archaic manner  3. fundamental nature or quality ; essence  4.  a. a group united by common traits or interests ; category  b. a specific or recognized variety what ~ of car do you drive  c. a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category a ~ of gray  5.  a. goods or commodities as distinguished from money payment in ~  b. the equivalent of what has been offered or received  Synonyms: see type  II. adjective  Date: 14th century  1. chiefly dialect affectionate, loving  2.  a. of a sympathetic or helpful nature  b. of a forbearing nature ; gentle  c. arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance a ~ act  3. of a ~ to give pleasure or relief