Formally, the lexeme belongs to the *kinan word group and has been defined accordingly as an action (cf. rechiner¹) rather than a sound (cf. rechaner). However, the context suggests it may belong to the latter’s *kinni group, used with reference to the harsh sound produced by donkeys. The two etymologically distinct groups overlap in Anglo-Norman. While this instance is likely to be a variant spelling of rechan (‘bray, loud and harsh sound produced by a donkey’), a separate entry is made to reflect the possibility of a different sense in line with the rechiner¹ word group.