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 these instances are likely to be variant spellings of rechanement, a separate entry is made to reflect the possibility of a different sense in the rechiner¹ word group.