\Skein\, n. [OE. skeyne, OF. escaigne, F. ['e]cagne,
probably of Celtic origin; cf. Ir. sgainne, Gael. sgeinnidh
thread, small twine; or perhaps the English word is
immediately from Celtic.]
1. A quantity of yarn, thread, or the like, put up together,
   after it is taken from the reel, -- usually tied in a sort
   of knot.
Note: A skein of cotton yarn is formed by eighty turns of the
      thread round a fifty-four inch reel.
2. (Wagon Making) A metallic strengthening band or thimble on
   the wooden arm of an axle. --Knight.

\Skein\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A flight of wild fowl (wild geese or the like). [Prov. Eng.]