Cloaks and Veils

Words for cloak and related things in Celtic languages.

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Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic linnā = veil, cloak
Gaulish linna = veil, cloak
Old Irish (Goídelc) lenn = cloak, mantle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) lenn = cloak, mantle
Irish (Gaeilge) leann = cloak, mantle
Old Welsh lenn = curtain, veil, screen, covering, sheet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) lenn = curtain, veil, screen, covering, sheet
Welsh (Cymraeg) llen [ɬɛn] = curtain, hanging, veil, screen, covering, canopy, tapestry, sheet, pall, mantle, shawl
llen amdo = winding-sheet, shroud
llen iâ = ice sheet
llen olaf = final curtain (after a theatrical performance)
llen rhwydog = net curtains
llen dân = safter curtain
Old Cornish len = blanket, cloth
Middle Cornish (Cernewec) len = blanket, cloak, whittle
Cornish (Kernewek) lenn = blanket, cloth
lenn dhu = blind
brithlen = tapestry
Breton (Brezhoneg) lenn = flag, coat
lenn-wele = bedspread, bed-cover

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *linom (flax) [source].

Proto-Celtic *brattos = cloak, mantle
Old Irish (Goídelc) bratt [ˈbr͈at] = cloak, mantle
brattach = banner, clothing, flag
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) brat, bratt = cloak, mantle, cover, cloth
brattach = having a clock, mantled; clothing, shielf, banner, standard
Irish (Gaeilge) brat [bˠɾˠɑt̪ˠ / bˠɾˠat̪ˠ] = mantle, cloak, covering, curtain
brata (le) = carpeted, covered (with)
aerbhrat = atmosphere
brat brád = neckerchief
bratach = flag
bratóg = small cloak, covering, rag, flake
bratógach = ragged, in rags
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) brat [brahd] = carpet, mat, cloak, mantle, cover(ing), sheet, drape, drapery
brat-cùil = backdrop
brat-deighe = ice-sheet
brat-dorais = doormat
brat-dubhair = awning
brat-dorais = tapestry
brat-gréise = bed cover, coverlet
brat-ùrlair = carpet, rug, mat
bratach = flag, banner, colours, ensign
Manx (Gaelg) brat = covering, cover, coat, layer, film, pall, curtain, cloak, sheet, wrap, coating
brat jaagh = smokescreen
brat laare = carpet
brat lhiabbagh = coverlet, bedcover
brat peintey = coat of paint
brattagh = banner, colour, ensign, flag
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) brat, bratt = rag, clout, tatter, piece, apron, pinafore
brethyn, bredhyn = woollen, cotton, cloth, covering, bedspread, hanging, tapestry
Welsh (Cymraeg) brat = rag, clout, tatter, piece, apron, pinafore (possibly borrowed from Irish)
brethyn = woollen, cotton, cloth, covering, bedspread, hanging, tapestry
brethyn arwyl = funeral pall, bier-cloth
brethyn bord = tablecloth
brethyn cyfrwy = saddlecloth
brethyn neuadd = tapestry
Old Breton brothrac = skirt
Middle Breton broz = skirt
Breton (Brezhoneg) brozh = skirt
brozh-dan = petticoat, underskirt
korf-brozh = bodice, corset

Etymology: unknown [source]

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

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