Chine (?), n. [OF. eschine, F. échine, fr. OHG. skina needle, prickle, shin, G. schiene splint, schienbein shin. For the meaning cf. L. spina thorn, prickle, or spine, the backbone. Cf. Shin.] 1. The backbone or spine of an animal; the back. “And chine with rising bristles roughly spread.” Dryden.
2. A piece of the backbone of an animal, with the adjoining parts, cut for cooking. [See Illust. of Beef.]
3. The edge or rim of a cask, etc., formed by the projecting ends of the staves; the chamfered end of a stave.