LOIN (through O. Fr. loigne or logne, mod.

See also:

• LUNGE, GEORG (1839- )

lunge, from

See also:

• LAT

Lat. Iambus)  , that part of the body in an animal which lies between the upper part of the hip-bone and the last of the false ribs on either side of the back-bone, hence in the plural the general term for the lower part of the human body at the junction with the legs, covered by the loin-cloth, the almost universal garment among primitive peoples . There are also figurative uses of the word, chiefly biblical, due to the loins being the supposed seat of male vigour and power of generation . Apart from these uses the word is a butcher's term for a joint of meat cut from this part of the body . The upper part of a loin of beef is known as the " surloin " (Fr. surlonge, i.e. upper loin) . This has been commonly corrupted into " sirloin," and a legend invented, to account for the name, of a king, James I. or Charles II., knighting a prime joint of beef " Sir Loin " in pleasure at its excellence .