Brushes and Broom

12th July 202227th April 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for brush, broom and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scúap [skuə̯b] = brush, broom, sheaf, bundle scúapad = act of sweeping scúapaire = sweeper
Irish (Gaeilge)	scuab [sˠkuəbˠ] = besom, broom; brush; sheaf, armful, bundle; to sweep scuabach = sweeping, flowing; gusty scuabachán = sweeping, sweepings scuabadh = to sweep, wash scuabadóir = sweeper scuabán = little besom, little brush, little sheaf, armful, bundle scuab fiacla = toothbrush scuab ghruaige = hairbrush scuab ingne = nailbrush scuab phéinte = paintbrush sreangscuab = wire brush
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sguab [sguəb] = broom, besom, brush, sheaf sguabte = brushed, swept sguabanta = tidy, trim, clean sguabadh = brushing, sweeping sguabachan = brush sguabag = gusty, wind, whisk, sheaf (of corn) sguabadair = vacuum cleaner sguabair = sweeper sguab-aodaich = clothes brush
Manx (Gaelg)	skeab = besom, broom skeabey = brush, brushing, brush over, brush up, sweep, sweeping skeabit = brushed, swept skeaban daah, skeaban-slaa = paintbrush skeaban feeackle = toothbrush skeaban folt/fuilt = hairbrush
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨskʉb = brush, broom
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	escup, yscub, ysgub = brush, broom
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgub [ˈəsɡɨ̞b / ˈəsɡɪb] = sheaf, wheatsheaf, bundle; brush, broom, besom, quiver of arrows ysgubell = brush, broom, besom, mop, bunch (of flowers) ysgubo = to brush, sweep (away), make into sheaves ysgubol = sweeping ysgubwr = sweeper, sweep ysgub blu = feather duster priodas (coes) ysgub = informal wedding in which the parties jump over a broomstick in the presence of witnesses
Middle Cornish	scibia = to sweep, brush sciber = barn, any large room scubilen = whip, scourge
Cornish (Kernewek)	skub = sweeping skubell, skubyllen = broom, brush skubellik = paintbrush skubell sugna = vacuum cleaner skubell-wolghi = mop skuber, skubores = sweeper skubus = sweeping skubya = to brush, sweep skubyllen dhes = toothbrush skubyon = refuse, sweepings
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skub [ˈskyːp] = broom, brush, blade; sweep skubell = broom, brush, blade; sweep skubell-vroust(añ) = scrubbing brush skuberez = sweeper

Etymology: from the Latin scōpa (broom) Proto-Indo-European *skeh₂p- (to prop) [source]. Words from the same Latin root include scopa (broom) in Italian, escoba (broom) in Spanish, and shqopë (heather, heath, briar) in Albanian [source]..

Proto-Celtic	*banatlo- = broom (shrub)
Gaulish	*balano- = broom (shrub)
Celtiberian	bálago-, bálaco- = broom (shrub)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bealaidh [bɛl̪ˠɪn] = broom (shrub) bealaidh-Frangach, bealaidh-Sasannach = laburnum
Proto-Brythonic	*banatlo- = broom (shrub)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	banadil, banadyl, banadl = broom (shrub)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	banadl, banal [ˈbanadl] = broom (shrub) banadl Ffrainc = laburnum
Old Cornish	banathel = broom (shrub)
Middle Cornish	banal = broom (shrub)
Cornish (Kernewek)	banadhel = broom (shrub)
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	balan = broom (shrub)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	balain, balazn = broom (shrub)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	balan [ˈbɑːlãn] = broom (shrub) balaneg [bã.ˈnɑː.lek] = broom grove balaenn [baˈlɑːɛn] = broom, brush

According to An Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language by Alexander MacBain (1982), there is a cognate in Irish: beally/i, however it doesn’t appear in any of the Irish dictionaries I’ve checked.

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰenH-tlom (way, path) in the sense of “cleared path (in a wood)” [source].

The French word balai (broom, broomstick, brush) comes from the Gaulish *balano-, via Old French, Middle Breton and Old Breton [source]. The Spanish word bálago (straw, Spanish broom), comes from the same Gaulish root, via the Celtiberian *bálago-/*bálaco- [source].

Words same PIE roots possibly include bana (course, path, trajectory) in Swedish, baan (road, path, track, job, orbit) in Dutch, and Bahn (route, trail, railway)in German [source].

The shrub known as broom in Britain and Ireland is also known as common broom or Scotch broom, or Cytisus scoparius in Latin. It is a deciduous leguminous shrub native to western and Central Europe. Broom can also refer to similar plants, such as French broom and Spanish broom [source].

Twigs from the broom, and from other plants, can be tied to a stout stick and used to sweep things. Such implements are traditionally known as besoms or broom besoms, and became known simply as brooms [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

Fish

25th October 202014th October 2024 By Simon

Words for fish and related things in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸēskos = fish
Old Irish (Goídelc)	íasc = fish íascach = fish, fishing
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	íasc, iasc, īesc, éisc, escc = fish íascach, iasccach = abounding in fish íascaire, iscaire = fisherman íasmar, iascchmar = full of fish, productive in fish
Irish (Gaeilge)	iasc [iəsˠk] = fish, to fish iasc = fishing, fishery iascaire = fisherman iascaireacht = fishing, fishery iasceolaíocht = ichthyology (scientific study of fish) iasciteach = fish-eating, ichthyophagous iascúil = abounding in fish, easy to fish, good at fishing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iasg [iəsg] = fish, Pisces iasgach [iəsgəx] = fishing, angling, fishery iasgachadh [iəsgəxəɣ] = (act of) fishing iasgadair [iəsgədɪrʲ] = fisher(man) iasgail [iəsgal] = fishy, pertaining to fish, good for fishing iasgan [iəsgan] = small fish, mussel
Manx (Gaelg)	(y)eeast = fish eeastagh(ey) = to angle, to fish, angling, fishing eeasteyr = fisherman eeasteyraght = fishery, fishing eeasteyrys = fishing eeastoil = abounding in fish, fishy eeast-oaylleeaght = ichthyology
Proto-Brythonic	uisk = fish Uɨsk = fish, river name (originally meaning “abundant in fish”)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	Wysg [uːɨ̯sk / ʊi̯sk] = Usk (a river and town in south Wales) Caerwysg = Exeter

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pisḱ-/peysḱ- (fish) [source]. The name of the river Exe in Devon comes from the same root, as does Exmoor, where the river rises, Exmouth, where it meets the sea, and Exeter, which stands on the river. The rivers Esk (North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, and East Lothian) and Axe (one in Dorset, Somerset, Devon; and another in Somerset) get their names from the same root [source].

Proto-Brythonic	pɨsk [pɨsk] = fish pɨskọd [pɨˈsˑkɔːd] = fish (pl)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pisscaud, psycgaut, pesgod = fish(es), Pisces pysgodfwyd = ichthyophagous, piscivorous, fish-eating, fish-meal pysgodlyn, pyscotlyn = fish-pool, fish-pond peskod ha, pyscotta, pyscota = to fish, angle, fishing pyscodwr, pyscod-wr, pyscottwr = fisherman, fisher
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pysgod [ˈpəsɡɔd] = fish(es), Pisces pysgodaidd = fishy, piscine, piscatory, piscatorial pysgodfwyd = ichthyophagous, piscivorous, fish-eating, fish-meal pysgodig = full of fish pysgodlyn = fish-pool, fish-pond pysgota = to fish, angle, fishing industry pysgotwr = fisherman, fisher, angler, kingfisher, fishmonger
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pisc, pysc = fish piscadur, pysgadyr = fisherman pisclin = fishpond pisgetta, pysgetta = to fish
Cornish (Kernewek)	pysk [pɪːsk] / pesk = fish pyskador, peskador = fisherman pyskadores, peskadores = fisherwoman pyskessa, peskecha = to fish pysklyn, pesklyn = fishpond pyskva, peskva = aquarium
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pesq(uet) = fish
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pesk(ed) [ˈpes.k(et)] = fish pesker [ˈpeskɛʁ] = fishmonger, fisher(man) pesketa [pɛs.ˈke.ta] = to fish pesketaerezh [pɛs.ke.ˈtɛː.rɛs] = fishing, fisheries

Etymology: from the Latin piscātus, past participle of piscor (to fish), from piscis (fish), from Proto-Indo-European *péysks (fish) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include peshk (fish) in Albanian, pesce (fish) in Italian, poisson (fish) in French, fish, piscine (pertaining to fish), Pisces in English, and fisk (fish, Pisces) in Danish [source].

Interesting idioms related to fish:

Irish: Iasc as uisce i do bhéal! = Restrain your tongue! (“Fish out of water in your mouth”)
Irish: Ar iascadh libh? = Did you catch fish / succeed in your quest
Irish: Ar iascach ar dhuine = to fish information from sb
Scottish Gaelic: gaoth an iar, iasg is bainne = wind from the West, fish and milk
Welsh: pysgota mewn dŵr llwyd = to fish in troubled waters (“to fish in grey water”)

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Cattle

18th January 202010th July 2024 By Simon

Words for cattle, cow, bull, calf and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bāus = cow bow = cow
Celtiberian	boustom = stable (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bó [boː] = ox, cow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bó = ox, cow bóaire = stock-master, stock-owner (“cow-noble”) bólacht = stock of cattle bómlacht = cow’s milk búarach = owner of cows
Irish (Gaeilge)	bó [bˠoː] = cow bó mhara = sea-cow, manatee bó shamhraidh = ladybird bó-aire = cattle lord, cattle owner bódóir = cow-doctor
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bò [boː] = cow bò b(h)ainne = dair/milk cow boineag = small cow bòthach = pertaining to or abounding in cows
Manx (Gaelg)	booa = cow booa vluight = dairy cow boin = very little cow
Proto-Brythonic	*bʉ = cow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	buv, bu, buw = cow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bu = cow, ox, head of cattle (as a standard of value in the Welsh laws) buach = cowherd, rustic, wretched creature biw = cow, cattle, horned cattle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	biuh = cow
Cornish (Kernewek)	bu = cow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bu = cow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷṓws (cattle). The old Galician word busto (enclosed pasture, a herd of cattle) comes from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Celtiberian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*boukkā = cow
Proto-Brythonic	*bʉx = cow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	buvch, buwch = cow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	buwch [bɨu̯χ / bɪu̯χ] = cow buwch y dwfr = hippopotamus buwch goch Duw = ladybird buwchaidd = cow-like, pertaining to cattle, bovine, uncivilized, stolid buwchan = small cow, young cow, heffer buwchfrechu = to vaccinate (with cowpox) buwchfrechiad = (cowpox) vaccination buwchol = bovine
Old Cornish	buch = cow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	beuch, buch, beuh = cow
Cornish (Kernewek)	bugh [biʊx / bɪwh] = cow bugh godra = dairy cow bughik = little cow bughik Dhuw = ladybird bughvowes = cowgirl bughwas = cowboy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	buch = cow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	buocʼh [ˈbɥoːχ / ˈbyːɔχ] = cow buoc’han = ladybird buoc’hken = cowhide

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *bāus (cow), the Proto-Indo-European *gʷṓws (cattle) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	crod = cattle, herds, livestock
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crod, crud, (c)crodh = cattle, herds, stock, property, wealth crodach = wealth, goods
Irish (Gaeilge)	crodh [ˈkɾˠʊh] = cattle, wealth (in cattle), dowry
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crodh [kroː/krɯj] = cattle

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *ḱerdʰ- (file, row, herd) [source]. Words from the same roots include herd in English, Herde (herd, flock) in German and herdhe (nest) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ellach [ˈel͈ax] = good, property, livestock
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ellach = goods, property, stock, cattle
Irish (Gaeilge)	eallach, eallaighe [ˈal̪ˠəx / ˈal̪ˠa(x)] = chattels, goods, cattle, livestock, poultry
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eallach [jal̪ˠəx] = burden, load, goods, property, cattle, livestock
Manx (Gaelg)	ollagh = bovines, cattle, kine

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to sluagh (host, force, army; crowd, multitude, throng) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tarwos = bull
Gaulish	taruos = bull
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tarb [tarv] = bull
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tarb = bull
Irish (Gaeilge)	tarbh [ˈt̪ˠaɾˠuː / ˈt̪ˠaɾˠu] = bull tarbhadóir = toreador tarbhán = bull-calf, young bull tarbhánta = bull-like, massive, powerful tarbhántacht = bullishness tarbhghadhar = bulldog
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tarbh [tarav] = bull, Taurus tarbh-chù = bulldog tarbh-nathrach (neimhe) = dragonfly tarbh-thonn = mighty wave tarbhach = like a bull, hefty, chunky tarbhan = small bull tarbhan-dè = butterfly
Manx (Gaelg)	tarroo = bull, Taurus taarroo oaldey = bison, buffalo tarroo-choo = bulldog tarroo-feeaih = stag
Proto-Brythonic	*tarw = bull
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tarỼ, tarv = bull
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tarw [ˈtaru / ˈtaːru] = bull, uncastrated male ox, papal bull, Taurus (sign of the zodiac); valiant leader, fierce hero tarw dur = bulldozer tarwgi = bulldog
Old Cornish	tarow = bull
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tarow = bull
Cornish (Kernewek)	tarow = bull
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	taruu = bull
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	taru = bull
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tarv [ˈtarw / ˈtɑːro] = bull

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *táwros (wild bull, aurochs), which possibly comes from, or was borrowed into Proto-Semtic as *ṯawr- (bull, ox), from which we get ثَوْر (ṯawr – bull, steer, ox, Taurus) in Arabic [Source].

The Old Irish Irish word for bull was borrowed into Old Norse as tarfr, which became tarvur (bull, Taurus, womanizer) in Faroese, and tarfur (bull) in Icelandic [Source].

Words from the same PIE root include Taurus and steer in English, taureau (bull, Taurus) in French, toro (bull) in Spanish, and touro (bull) in Portuguese [Source].

Proto-Celtic	laygos / lāɸigos = calf
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lóeg [l͈oːi̯ɣ] = calf, favourite, darling
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lóeg = calf, favourite, darling, young deer
Irish (Gaeilge)	lao [l̪ˠeː / l̪ˠiː] = (young) calf laoidín = tiny calf laofheoil = veal
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	laogh [l̪ˠɯːɣ] = calf, kid (of deer), fawn, term of endearment for a child laoghach = pertaining to or abounding in calves laoghan = little calf
Manx (Gaelg)	lheiy [ax] = calf
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lo, lloe, llo = calf
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llo [ɬoː] = calf, bullock, simpleton, dolt llo(e)aidd = calf-like lloeaf, lloeo, lloea = to calve
Old Cornish	loch = calf
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	leauh, loch = calf
Cornish (Kernewek)	leugh [løːx / leːx / lɛwh] = calf
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lue, leuè, leuë = calf
Breton (Brezhoneg)	leue [ˈløː.e / lweː] = calf

Etymology: a diminutuve of the Proto-Indo-European *leh₂p- (cattle) [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	bearach = heifer, young cow
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	biorach [birəx] = a weaned but not fully mature calf or foal (up to 2 years); anti-suckling device, sucking preventer, weaner
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bustach / bustych = bullock, ox, steer (possibly related to the above words)

Etymology: from the Old Irish berach [ˈbʲerax] (pointed, sharp; having pointed ears, horned), from bir (stake, spit, point; spear, spike) & -ach (related to, having, characterised by, prone to) [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*ödjon = ox, bull
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eydyon, eidon = ox, steer, bullock
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eidion = domestic male of the bovine family, ox, steer, bullock, neat
Old Cornish	odion = bullock
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	udzheon, odgan = bullock
Cornish (Kernewek)	ojyon = ox
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	egen, eugen, eugenn = ox, steer, beef
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ejen [ˈeːʒɛn] = ox, steer, beef

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*anderā = young woman
Gaulish	anderon = heifer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ainder [ˈan͈ʲdʲər] = married woman; virgin, maiden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ander [ˈæn̠ʲəɾˠ] = girl, maiden, lass; young woman
Irish (Gaeilge)	ainnir [ˈæn̠ʲəɾˠ] = girl, maiden, lass; young woman (poetic); attractive woman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ainnir [an̠ʲɪrʲ] = maiden, virgin; nymph; marriageable woman; young woman
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	anneir = heifer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	anner [ˈanɛr] = heifer
Old Cornish	annoer = heifer
Cornish (Kernewek)	annor = heifer
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	annoer, onnoer, ounner, onner = heifer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	annoar [ˈãnwar] = heifer

Etymology: possibly related to Basque andere (lady, woman) [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, An Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Strength

9th October 201913th May 2024 By Simon

Words for strength and related things in Celtic languages.

Strength

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	brīgos = strength brīga = power, worth
Gaulish	*brīgos = strength
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bríg [bʲrʲiːɣ / bʲrʲiːɣʲ] = force, power, value, virtue, strength, vigour, vitality brígach = powerful, mighty, strong brígmar = powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bríg, brigh = power, strength, force, authority, vigour, virtue, might, value, worth, advantage, meaning brígach = powerful, mighty, forceful brígda = strong, vigorous brígmar = powerful, strong, vigorous, lively, efficacious brígrad = power, force
Irish (Gaeilge)	brí [brʲiː] = strength, vigour; force, significance; influence, merit bríoch = strong, vigorous, efficacious bríochmar = strong, viorous bríochtach = strong, vigorous person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brìgh [brʲiː] = essence, gist, matter, pith, purport, substance; meaning, sense, significance; point (of an argument); energy, force brìghealachd [brʲiː.əLəxg] = substance, juiciness, pithiness, significance (in mathematics) brìgheil [brʲiː.al] = meaningful, significant brìoghmhor [brʲiː(v)ər] = meaningful, energetic, substantial, pithy
Manx (Gaelg)	bree = power, energy, stamina, vigour, virtue, initiative, validity, animation, inwardness, glow, exhalation, drift, essence, gist, effect breeagh = inspiring, vigorous breeoil = dynamic, energetic, essential, impulsive, valid, vibrant, vigorous, active, powerful
Proto-Brythonic	*briɣ = honour, dignity (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bri = honour, dignity, reputation, fame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bri [briː] = honour, dignity, reputation, fame, prestige, esteem, power, authority, importance, value, popularity briaeth = honour, dignity briol = honourable, reverent, dignified
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bry = account, value, worth, price
Cornish (Kernewek)	bri = distinction, esteem, importance, relevance, reputation, value, prominence fowt bri = insignificance heb bri = irelevant
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bri = importance, weight, authority
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bry = respect, consideration
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bri [briː] = dignity, honour, respect, consideration brient = privilege, prerogative brientek [bri.ˈɛn.tek] = privileged brientin = = privileged, aristocrat

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrḗǵʰ-o-s, from *bʰerǵʰ- (to rise, ascend, to be elevated, up high). Words from the same roots, via Gaulish, include brio (vigour, vivacity) in English, briu (energy, push, courage) in Catalan, brio (vivacity, liveliness) in Italian, brío (vigour, mettle, zeal) in Spanish, and brio (brilliance, panache) in French [Source].

Words from the same PIE roots include barrow, burrow, bury, effort, force and fort in English, and brenin (king), bwrw (to hit, strike, cast) in Welsh [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nertom = strength, power
Celtiberian	Nerto- = strength (?)
Gaulish	Nerto- = strength (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nert [n͈ʲer͈t] = power, strength nertaid [ˈn͈ʲer͈tɨðʲ] = to strengthen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nert, nnert, nirt = strength, might, power, ability, significance nertaid = to strengthen, confirm, exhort, urge nertaigid = to strengthen, confirm, encourage, grow strong, side with support
Irish (Gaeilge)	neart [nʲaɾˠt̪ˠ / n̠ʲæɾˠt̪ˠ] = strength, force, power, ability, plenty neartaigh = to strengthen neartaitheach = strengthening, reinforcing neartaitheoir = strengthener, abettor neartmhaire = vigorousness, strength neartmhar = strong, vigorous, powerful neartú = strengthening, reinforcement, support
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neart [̪nʲɛRʃd] = might, strength, force, energy, power, (alcoholic) proof, majority, most neartachadh [n̪ʲɛRʃdəxəɣ] = strengthening, building up, making strong neartaich strengthen, build up, make strong neartaiche = strengthener, emphasiser neartail = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhor = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhorachd = robustness, vigour
Manx (Gaelg)	niart = strength, power, force niartaght = strength niartal = cogent, forcible, mighty, potent, powerful, strong niarteyder = strengthener
Proto-Brythonic	*nerθ [nɛrθ] = strenght, force, power
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nerthi = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nerth, nyrth = force, strength, power, might nerthawc, nerthawg, nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful nerthawl, nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify nerthyd, nerthwr = fortifier, supporter, helper
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nerth [nɛrθ] = force, strength, power, might, energy, vigour, hardness nerthedig = strong, strengthened nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify, aid, help, exhort, urge nerthwr, nerthydd = fortifier, supporter, helper
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nerth = might, power, strength, force
Cornish (Kernewek)	nerth [nɛrθ] = energy, force, might, power, strength nertha = to strengthen nerthek = energetic, powerful, robust
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nerth = force, energy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nerz, nerh = force, energy nerzus, nerhus = vigorous, robust, energetic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nerzh [nɛrs] = force, energy nerzhan nerzhañ [ˈnɛrzan / ˈnɛrzã] = to strengthen, reinforce nerzhder = vigueur nerzhek = drastic nerzhekaat = to give energy nerzhelour = dynamic nerzhus = vigorous nerzhusaat = to strengthen oneself

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ner-to- (virile, strong), from *h₂nḗr- (man, vital, energy). Words from the same roots include njer (man, human, person) in Albanian, άντρας [ˈandras] (man, husband) in Greek, noras (wish, desire, will, intention) in Lithuanian, nêr (lord, chief) in Welsh, and the name Nero [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	láitir = strong, powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láitir, laitir [ˈl͈aːdʲərʲ] = strong, powerful
Irish (Gaeilge)	láidir [ˈl̪ˠɑːdʲəɾʲ / ˈl̪ˠaːdʲəɾʲ] = strong, powerful, durable, tough, solid, forcible, loud láidreacht = strength láidrigh = to strengthen
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làidir [l̪aːdʲɪrʲ] = strong, potent, emphatic, robust, substantial làidireachd = strength làidireach = strong, potent, emphatic làidrich = make strong, strengthen
Manx (Gaelg)	lajer = strong, potent, vigorous, hard, heavy, powerful, stark lajeragh = to strengthen, strengthening lajerid = potency, powerfulness, strength, vigour lajerys = cogency, force, might, prowess, strength

Etymology: unknown [Source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	cadrán = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy cadránta = hard, unfeeling, stubborn, obstinate cadrántacht = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy
Proto-Brythonic	*kadarn = strong, powerful, mighty (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cadarn, kadarn, katarnn = strong, powerful, mighty cadarnhau, kadarnaha = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard kedernyt, kedernit, cedernyt = strength, power, potency, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cadarn [ˈka(ː)darn] = strong, powerful, mighty, firm, fast cadarnhad = confirmation cadarnhau = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard cadernid = strength, power, potency, might
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cadarn = strong, stout, valiant

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *katus (battle), from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (battle), from *keh₃- (to fight). Words from the same roots include Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to quarrel, bicker, struggle) in German, and words for battle in Celtic languages [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*kriɸmos = strong (?)
Proto-Brythonic	*krɨβ̃ = strong
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cryf, kryf = strong, powerful, vigorous cryfder = strength, power, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cryf [krɨːv / kriːv] = strong, powerful, vigorous, intoxicating, tough, rich, fruitful, intense cryfder = strength, power, might cryfhau = to strengthen
Old Cornish	crif = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cref, crŷf, crif, crev = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Cornish (Kernewek)	krev = forceful, powerful, robust, strong, substantial krevder = intensity, strength
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cref, creff = strong, powerful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kreñv [ˈkrẽ(w)] = strong, solid kreñvaat [krẽˈfɑːt] = to strengthen, reinforce kreñvder [ˈkrẽ(w)dɛr] = strength, power, might kreñvlec’h = stronghold, fortress

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kriɸ- (body) from Proto-Indo-European *krep- (body). Words for body in Celtic and other languages come from the same roots [Source].

Proto-Celtic	trexsnos = strong trexsos = stronger
Gaulish	Trexius, Trexa, Trenus = personal names
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚂᚒᚌᚑᚄ (ttrenalugos), ᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚌᚒᚄᚒ (trenagusu) = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trén [tʲrʲeːn] = strong treise = power, strength
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trén = strong, powerful, strong man treise = strength, vigour, power
Irish (Gaeilge)	tréan = strong man, warrior, champion, strength, power, intensity, plenty, abundance tréaniarracht = strong, forcible, attempt treise = strength, power, dominance, force, emphasis treisigh = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify treisiúil = strong, forceful, vigorous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trèine [treːnə] = might, power treise [treʃə] = strength, vigour treun [treːn] = champion, hero, brave, strong, sturdy treunar [treːnər] = strong man, champion, hero; very brave, heroic treunas = might, power treuntachd = boldness, courage treuntas = strength, power, magnanimity
Manx (Gaelg)	trean = brave, firm, heroic, intensive, mighty, stout, valiant treanid = braveness, exploit, feat heroics, might, strength, valour
Proto-Brythonic	*trex = stronger
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trech = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trech [treːχ] = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better trechedd = supremacy, dominance trechu = to defeat, overcome, overpower
Cornish (Kernewek)	trygh = conquest, victory, superior, triumphant, victorious trygher = victor tryghi = to conquer, vanquish
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	trech = victorious, victory trechy, trechiff = to conquer, prevail, overcome
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trec’h [briː] = superior, victorious, victory trec’hadeg = triumph trec’hadenn = success trec’hedigezh = defeat trec’her = winner trec’hin, trec’hiñ = to conquer, prevail, overcome trec’hus = victorious

Etymology: the Proto-Indo-European *(s)treg- (to be stiff, rigid, strong) or *treg- (strength). Words from the same roots include þróttur (strength, vigour, energy) in Icelandic, and idrott (sport, physical education) in Swedish [Source].

Oak (trees)

21st August 201923rd November 2024 By Simon

Words for oak (tree) and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*daru [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Gaulish	Dervo = used in placenames
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dair, daur = an oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbre, dairbhre = an oak, oakling, a grove of oak grees, an oak wood dairde, daurde = oaken dair-ḟid, dauruth = an oak wood
Irish (Gaeilge)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbhre = oaks, oak-grove daireach = planted with / full of oaks doire [ˈd̪ˠɛɾʲə] = oak-wood; wood, grove, thicket
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dair [darʲ] = oak (archaic), the letter D, ᚛ᚇ᚜ in Ogham dairbhre = oak, nursery or grove of oaks darach [darəx] = oak, oaken, made of oak; ship (poetic) darag [darag] = small/dwarf oak, stunted/branchy tree (which is not useable for working)
Manx (Gaelg)	darragh = oak, oaken, oak grove, oak wood darrag = oak, beam, cast (fishing), snood, hairline darree = oak
Proto-Brythonic	*dar [ˈdar] = oak tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dar, dâr = oak derwd(y) = oak house, oratory, prayer house, coffin derwin, deruin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dâr [ˈdaːr] = oak tree, foremost warrior, leader, mighty lord derw = oak trees derwen [ˈdɛrwɛn] = oak tree derwin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber der(w)lwyn = oak grove, oak wood
Old Cornish	dar = oak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dar = an oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	dar [daːr / dæːr] = oak derwen = oak tree derw = oak trees
Old Breton	daeru = oaks
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	deru = oaks
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dar [dɑːr] = oak derv [ˈdɛrw/ˈdɛː.ro] = oaks dervenneg = with oak trees dervoed [dɛʁwət] = oak grove, oak wood

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dóru (tree) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly include làrix (larch) in Catalan, lariks (larch) in Dutch learag (larch) in Scottish Gaelic, larch in English, Lärche (larch) in German, and lærk (larch) in Danish [source].

Words from the same PIE root include δόρυ (dóry – spear) in Greek, dervà (tar, resin) in Lithuanian terva (tar) in Finnish, dearbh (sure, certain) in Irish, tree, trim, and trough, true in English, and trä (wood) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tannos = green oak
Gaulish	*tannos = oak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tinne = holly, elder
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tinne = holly, elder, the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Irish (Gaeilge)	tinne = the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teine/tinne [tʲenə] = gorse, whin, furze (archaic), the letter t (ᚈ) in Ogham
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taneru, tener(i)o = to tan (hide) tanerdy = tannery tanerwr = tanner (of hides)
Old Cornish	tannen = oak (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tonnen = bark glastanen, glastennen, glastan = (scarlet) oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	glastanen gelyn = holly/holm oak glastanen gork = cork oak
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glastann(enn) = holm oak(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tann [tānː] = sessile oaks tannañ = to tan glastann = holm oaks

Note: the Welsh words were borrowed from English tanner, which ultimately comes from Proto-Celtic *tannos, via French, Latin and Gaulish.

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *(s)tannos, the Proto-Indo-European *(s)dʰnwos/*(s)dʰonu (fir). Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish and Latin tannum (oak bark), include tan (pulped oak bark used in the tanning process of leather) in French, tano (stem, slip) in Galician, tanería (tannery), Tannenbaum (fir tree, Christmas tree) in German, θάμνος (thámnos – bush) in Greek, and tan, tannery, tannin (tannic acid) in English.

Words from the same PIE roots include thanë (cranberry bush) in Albanian, and धनु (dhanu – bow) in Sanskrit. [source].

Towns and Tribes

15th April 201910th March 2023 By Simon

Words for dwelling, settlement, town, tribe and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*trebā = dwelling
Gaulish	Atrebates = name of a tribe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	treb = house, farm; household; tribe
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	treb = house, farm; household; tribe
Irish (Gaeilge)	treibh [ˈtʲɾʲɛv] = house, homestead, farmstead; household, family; tribe, race
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	treabh [tro] = farming village treubh [treːv] = tribe
Proto-Brythonic	*treβ [ˈtrɛːβ] = town, settlement
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tref [ˈtrɛːβ] = town, settlement trefad, trevad, treuad, treuat = dwelling(-place), habitation trefan, treuan = small town or city, village, dwelling, abode, manor-house, fort
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tre(f) [treː(v)] = town; town centre; dwelling(-place), habitation, residence, home; house (and surrounding land), homestead, farm, estate, cluster of houses; township; tribe trefad = dwelling(-place), habitation, residence, home, region, domain trefaf, trefu= to dwell, live, settle trefan = small town or city, village, dwelling, abode, manor-house, fort
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tre, trev = dwelling place, homestead, home, town tregva, trigva = dwelling place, habitation trevedic = one from a country village, a country man, rustic
Cornish (Kernewek)	tre [trɛ:/tre:] = farmstead, home, town, village trigva = abode, address, dwelling, resdidence trigys = settled, to reside, live
Old Breton	treff, treb = town, settlement
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tre, trev = town
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trev = town trevour = civil

Etymology: From the Proto-Indo-European *treb- (dwelling, settlement) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root (via Latin) possibly include trobo (beehive, skep) in Galician, and truébanu (beehive, barrel, basket) in Asturian [source].

This is also the root of the archaic English word thorp(e) (a group of houses standing together in the country; a hamlet; a village), which appears in place names such as Milnthorpe and Scunthorpe.

Related words in other languages include Dorf (hamlet, village, town) in German, torp (village) in Danish, torp (farm, cottage, croft) in Swedish, þorp (village, farm) in Icelandic, and trevë (country, region, village) in Albanian [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

To Carry / Flow

11th February 201924th January 2025 By Simon

Words for to carry, to flow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bereti = to carry ɸarebereti = to use
Old Irish (Gaídelc)	beirid [ˈbʲerʲiðʲ] = to carry, bear, bring forth, judge ar·beir [arˈbʲerʲ] = to live, use, employ, eat, reproach, subdue, express
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	beirid, berid = to carry, infer, bear, bring forth, be born, yield, produce, judge, pass judgement ar-beir, airbir = to live, eat, use, employ, plead, subdue, express
Irish (Gaeilge)	beir [bʲɛɾʲ] = to bear, give birth to; lay (eggs); bear away, win; bring, take; catch, overtake; proceed, advance
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beir [berʲ] = to take hold; bring forth, bear, produce; carry beirachd [berʲəxg] = bearing (children), giving birth, birthing, bringing forth, birth, nativity, taking hold, holding, catching up with
Manx (Gaelg)	behr = to bear (give birth to) ruggyr = birth, nativity laa ruggyr, laa ruggyree = birthday
Proto-Brythonic	bėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to flow, carry ėrβėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to make use of, employ, take
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	beru = to flow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	beru = to flow, drip; drizzle arfer [ˈarvɛr] = to use, be used to, be accustomed to; custom, practice, procedure, habit
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	berthy = to bear, carry, sustain, entertain, take perthy = to bear, carry, sustain, entertain, take porthy = to bear (with), carry, endure, sustain, suffer
Cornish (Kernewek)	perthi = to bear, endure, put up with, stand, suffer, tolerate perthyans = endurance, patience, tolerance
Middle Breton	beraff = to flow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	berañ [ˈbeːrã] = to drip, flow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to be carrying), from *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source]. Words from the same roots include: barn, barrow, (to) bear, birth, broad and (to) thole (to endure) in English, bie (to bring, deliver) Albanian, բերել (berel – to bring, fetch) Armenian, and berti (to throw, strew, scatter, shed) Lithuanian [source].

Bones

22nd November 20188th September 2022 By Simon

Words for bones and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*knāmis = bone
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cnáim [knaːṽʲ] = bone
Irish (Gaeilge)	cnámh [knɑːvʲ / knaːvʲ] = bone; strip (in ploughing); submerged reef
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cnàimh [krɛ̃ːv] = bone; unploughed area
Manx (Gaelg)	craue [kreːw] = bone, whine, wild garlic, crow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	knaw [knau̯] = bone, skull
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cnaw [knau̯] = bone, skull

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kónh₂m (leg) [source]. Words from the same root include ham in English and κνήμη [ˈknimi] (shin, tibia) in Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	astū = bone astn(iy)o- = rib *astkornu = bone
Old Irish (Goídelc)	asna, esna = rib
Irish (Gaeilge)	easna [ˈɑsˠn̪ˠə] = rib, strake, timber easnach = costal, ribbed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	asna [asn̪ˠə] = rib aisean [aʃən] = rib
Manx (Gaelg)	asney [kreːw] = fin, nerve, rib, timber
Proto-Brythonic	*assī = rib
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eis / asseu / assen = rib
Welsh (Cymraeg)	asen = rib, breast, bosom; bar, spar, lath ais [ai̯s] = ribs, laths asennog = ribbed asgwrn = bone; mortal remains, corpse, skeleton; stone (of fruit)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	asow, asen = rib ascorn = bone asgornec = bony
Cornish (Kernewek)	asowen = rib askorn [‘askɔrn / ‘æskɐrn] = bone askornek = skinny
Breton (Brezhoneg)	askorn [ˈla.ɡat] = bone askornek = bony

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃ésth₁ (bone) [source]. Words from the same root include ossify (to transform into bone) and ossuary (a container/building for holding bones) in English, asht (bone) in Albanian, os (bone) in Latin and its descendents in Romance languages, such as os (bone) in Catalan, French and Romanian, and hueso (bone) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Ears

20th November 201823rd September 2024 By Simon

Words for ears, hares and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kloustā = ear, hearing
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clúas [kluːa̯s] = ear, hearing
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clúas, cluas = (sense of) hearing, ear clúasach, clūasach = pleasing to the ear, having (big) ears or handles, big-eared
Irish (Gaeilge)	cluas [klˠuəsˠ] = ear; ear-shaped object; lug, handle; cleat; tab; corner, margin cluasach = having ears, long-eared cluasachán = long-eared person or animal cluasaí = listener, eavesdropper cluasaíocht = eavesdropping, whispering, listening, talking in a furtive manner cluasán = earphone, headphone cluasánach = listless, inattentive person cluasántacht = listlessness, inattention
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cluas [kl̪ˠuəs] = ear, lug, handle cluasach [kl̪ˠuəsəx] = pertaining to ears, aural, having (a) handle(s) cluasachan [kl̪ˠuəsəxan] = pillow cluasag [kl̪ˠuəsag] = pillow, bolster cluasagach [kl̪ˠuəsagəx] = pertaining to or abounding in pillows cluasaire [kl̪ˠuəsɪrʲə] = (person with) bigs ears cluasan [kl̪ˠuəsan] = earphone, headset
Manx (Gaelg)	cleaysh [kleːʃ] = ear, cleat, handle, lug, top corner of net, corner of sail cleayshagh = aural, (large-)eared, lugged cleayshtynagh = audible, listener
Proto-Brythonic	*klʉst = ear
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clust = ear, hearing, handle clustueinyd, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustiog, klustioc = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustot, clustog, clustoc = cushion, pillow, bolster
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clust [klɨːst / klɪst] = ear, sense of hearing, attention, willingness to listen; handle of a vessel, tag of a boot, top part of a bell; creek or inlet; auricle (of the heart) clustfeinio = to listen closely or attentively, prick up the ears, eavesdrop clustfeiniol = listening attentively or intently clustfeiniwr, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustffon, clustffôn = earphone, headphone clustiog = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustog = cushion, pillow, bolster clustogi = to cushion, pillow, bolster up, upholster

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlow-steh₂, from *ḱlew- (to hear) [source]. Words from the same roots include clement, client, listen and loud in English, quaj (to call, name, value, declare) in Albanian, luid (loud, sound, assertion) in Dutch, sláva (fame, glory) in Czech, and hljóður (quiet, silent) in Icelandic [source].

Words for Hearing, Fame and Renown in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE roots.

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgiarnag, sgibearnag = hare
Proto-Brythonic	skuβarn = ear skuβarnọg = hare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	esgyuarn, ysgyuarn, yscyfarn, yskyuarn = ear ysgyuarnauc, yscyfarnawc, y scyuarnaỽc, ysgyuarnawc, yscyfarnoc = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgyfar(n) = ear (y)sgyfarnog, sgwarnog = hare ysgyfarnogaidd = harelike, leporine
Old Cornish	scouarn = ear scouarnoc = hare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scovarn, scouarn, scovern, scovorn, scoforn = ear scovarnog, scowarnak, scowarnog = hare
Cornish (Kernewek)	skovarn [‘skɔvarn / ‘skɔvɐrn] = ear, handle skovarnek = hare
Old Breton	scobarn = ear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scouarn = ear scouarnec = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skouarn [skwarn] = ear, gills, handle skouarnad [ˈskwar.nat] = a slap (on the ear) skouarnañ = to garnish with an ear or handle skouarnata [skwarˈnatːa] = to slap, to rub or pull ears skouarneg [ˈskwar.nɛk] = hare skouarnek [ˈskwar.nɛk] = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewh₁- (to observe, perceive) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include cautious, caveat and show in English, schouwen (to inspect, examine) in Dutch, schauen (to look, watch, view) in German, and cauto (prudent, cautious, sly) in Italian [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	giorria [ˈɟɪɾˠiə/ˈɟaɾˠiə] = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geàrr [gʲaːr̪ˠ] = hare gearrach [gʲar̪ˠəx] = hare giorrasach [gʲir̪ˠəsəx] = hare geàrr-fhiadh = hare gearrag [gʲar̪ˠag] = leveret, young hare

Etymology: from Old Irish gerr (short) and fíad (deer, wild animal(s)) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	míl maige = hare
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	míl maige = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	maigheach [mɤjəx] = hare
Manx (Gaelg)	mwaagh = hare cha follan as mwaagh = brimful of health (“as healthy as a hare”)

Etymology: from Old Irish míl (animal) and mag (plain, field) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kasnī = hare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	Cainnech = personal name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ceinach = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceinach [ˈkei̯naχ] = hare (archaic – originally meant “(the) grey/white one”) ceinachgi = harrier, hare-hound

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱeh₂s- (hare). Words from the same PIE root include hare in English, haas (hare) in Dutch, Hase (hare) in German, and hase (female rabbit, hare) in French [source].

Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gad = hare
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gat = hare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gad [ɡɑːt] = hare

Etymology: unknown [source].

Legs & Feet

17th November 20181st October 2024 By Simon

Words for legs, feet and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*koxsā = foot, leg
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cos(s) [kos] = foot, leg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cos, cas = foot, leg, stem, support, handle, shaft, infantry cosach = pertaining to feet or legs, long-legged
Irish (Gaeilge)	cos [kɔsˠ] = leg, foot; handle, shaft, stem; lower end cosán = path, footway, track, way, passage, direction cosarálaí = trampler, clumsyfooted person coiscéim = footstep coisí = pedestrian
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cas [kas] = foot, trotter; leg; handle, shaft shank (of a fishing hook casach [kasəx] = (many-)footed, legged, abounding in feet casachan [kasəxan] = pedal, treadle cos [kɔs] = foot, leg, handle, shaft
Manx (Gaelg)	cass [kaːs] = leg, barrel, foot, shaft, peg, bottom, outlet, mouth of river, stalk, hilt, stem of a pipe, crop of a whip cassagh = footed, pedal, spiral, objective kass = foot
Proto-Brythonic	*koɨs = leg, shank, stem
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coes = leg, shank koescyn = leg, shank, stalk, stem
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coes [koːɨ̯s / kɔi̯s / koːs] = leg, shank; handle, haft, stem, stalk coes = little leg coesgyn = leg, shank, stalk, stem coesi(o) = to run away, leg it, walk, stride
Cornish (Kernewek)	koos = leg

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *koḱs- (joint) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include cushion in English, Hachse (hock, shank, knuckle, leg) in German, coxa (thigh, drumstick) in Portuguese, and cuisse (thigh) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tregess = foot
Gaulish	treide = foot
Old Irish (Goídelc)	traig [traɣʲ] = foot (part of body / measurement), step
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	traig = foot, step
Irish (Gaeilge)	troigh [t̪ˠɾˠɪɟ / t̪ˠɾˠɔ / t̪ˠɾˠiː] = foot (part of body / measurement), step troitheach = foot-soldier, pedestrian troitheán = pedal, treadle troithíocht = sound of footsteps
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	troigh [trɔç] = foot (part of body / measurement), sole of foot troighean = pedal
Manx (Gaelg)	trie [strɛin] = foot, sole, twelve inches
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	troed, troet = foot troeduet, troetued, troydvedd = foot (measurement) troedaỽc, troedauc, troediog, troedyavc, troydawc = having a foot, footed, walking, ambulant, nimble-footed, sure-footed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	troed [troːɨ̯d / trɔi̯d] = foot, shaft, handle, bottom, base, pedestal, foundation, extremity, end, stalk, foot-joint troed-droed, troetroed = step by step, in step (with) troedfa = pavement, foundation, base troedfedd = foot (measurement) troedfys = toe troedffordd = footpath, footway troediad = step, pace, walk, gait, kick troed(i)o = to tread, step, walk, tample (on), plod, trudge troed(i)og = having a foot, footed, walking, ambulant, nimble-footed, sure-footed
Old Cornish	truit = foot
Middle Cornish	trois, tros, trôs = foot troishys = foot (length)
Cornish (Kernewek)	troos [tro:z / tru:z] = foot, on foot troos-hys, troos-hes = foot (length)
Old Breton	treit, treyt = foot
Middle Breton	troat = foot troatet = foot (length)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	troad [trwɑːt] = foot, handle troadeg = with big feet, infantryman, pedestrian troadek [ˈtrwɑː.dɛk] = having big feet, having a foot troadikell [trwa.ˈdikː.ɛl] = pedal troadikellañ [trwa.di.ˈkɛlː.ã] = to pedal troadikeller [trwa.di.ˈkɛlː.ɛr] = pedalboard. pedaler troatad [ˈtrwatː.at] = foot (length)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tregʰ- (to run, walk), apparently a variant of *dʰregʰ- (to run, drag, pull) [source]. Words from the same roots include drag, draw, train and treaty, and droichead (bridge) in Irish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*garros = shank, leg, calf
Gaulish	*garra = leg
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gairr = calf of the leg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gairr, gair = calf of the leg
Proto-Brythonic	*garr = shank, calf of the leg
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	garr, gar = leg, shank, thigh, ham, hough
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gar [ɡar] = leg, shank, thigh, ham, hough gar(r)an = leg, shank, shaft, axle garanu = to fix a shank or handle, to fit with a shaft or axle, to crane
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gar = shank, leg
Cornish (Kernewek)	garr [ɡarː/ɡɒr] = leg, stem garren = calf, stalk
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gar, garr = leg, paw
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gar [ɡɑːr] = leg, paw garegenn = leg (of trousers) gargen = leg warmer gallek [ˈɡa.rːɛk] = (having) long legs

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰs-r- (hand), from *ǵʰes- (hand, to take, give in exchange) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include garra (shank, claw, talon) in Catalan, jarret (hough, hock) in French, garter (a band worn around the leg to hold up a sock or stocking) in English, and garra (claw, talon, paw, hook, passion, dedication) in Spanish [source].

Words from the same Proto-Info-European roots include dorë (hand) in Albanian, paže (arm) in Czech, and host (the consecrated bread of the Eucharist) in English [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Albanian (shqip)

Brushes and Broom

Fish

Cattle

Strength

Oak (trees)

Towns and Tribes

To Carry / Flow

Bones

Ears

Legs & Feet