Boats and Ships

31st August 202331st August 2023 By Simon

Words for boat, ship and related vessels in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*longā- = boat, vessel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	long [l͈oŋɡ] = boat, ship longfort = camp, encampment, stronghold
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	long, longa = boat, ship, vessel, long-ship, galley; vessel, container; house; bed longphort, lonngport = camp, encampment, temporary stronghold, mansion, princely dwelling; stronghold, fortress
Irish (Gaeilge)	long [l̪ˠɔŋ] = ship, vessel, container, house longbhá = shipwreck longbhac = embargo (on ships), naval blockade longbhoth = (navel) dock longbhriste = shipwrecked longcheárta, longchlós = shipyard longfort = camp, stronghold, fortified residence longlann = dockyard longmhar = abounding in ships longtheach = boat-house longthógáil = shipbuilding
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	long [l̪ˠɔuŋg] = ship longas = shipping, shipment longart = seaport long-adhair = airship long-bhriste = shipwreck long-chasgadh = embargo long-fhada = galley (ship) long-fhànais = spaceship long-lann = dockyard long-phort = seaport long-thogail = shipbuilding
Manx (Gaelg)	lhong [loŋ] = ship, vessel lhong aer = airship lhong-chaardee = boatyard, shipyard lhong chrowal = hovercraft lhong liauyr = longship lhong-phurt = basin, seaport lhong spoar = spaceship lhong spooillee = pirate ship lhuingys = fleet, shipping
Proto-Brythonic	*llong = ship, vessel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	loggou, log, llogeu, llong = ship, boat llongi = to embark, ship llongeidiev, llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llog porth, llogborth, llong-borth = seaport, haven, harbour long-dorr = shipwreck longhawl, llonghavl. llongawl = nautical, maritime, naval llongỼyr, llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llong [ɬɔŋ] = ship, boat; the Great Bear (Ursa Major) llongaf, llongi = to embark, ship llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llongborth = seaport, harbour, dock, quay llongdor = shipwreck llongol = nautical, maritime, naval llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner llong awyr = airship, aeroplane llong y diffeithwch, llong dir = ship of the desert, camel llong ofod = spaceship, spacecraft llong hofran = hovercraft llong danfor(ol) = submarine
Old Breton	locou = ship, boat

Etymology: possibly from the Latin (navis) longa ([long] boat), or from an unknown source [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nāwā- = boat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nau, nó = boat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nó, noe = boat (generally a small one, propelled by oars)
Irish (Gaeilge)	nae [n̪ˠeː] = boat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	noe = large vase, bowl
Welsh (Cymraeg)	noe = (wooden) vessel used in making butter, kneading dough, etc. shallow dish, bowl, pan, basin, laver, wooden trough noeaid = dishful
Cornish (Kernewek)	new = sink, trough, washbasin new doos = trough new-droghya = sheep dip
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	néau, néff, neo, nev = trough, bucket néay-doas, neo-doaz, nev-doaz = kneading-trough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nev = trough, bucket

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *néh₂us (boat), from *(s)neh₂- (to swim) [Source]. Words from the same roots include navy, navigate, andnautical in English [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelic)	bát = boat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bát, bád = boat
Irish (Gaeilge)	bád [bˠɑːd̪ˠ/bˠaːd̪ˠ] = boat bádóireacht = (act of) boating bád iascaigh = fishing boat bád seoil = sailing boat bád tarrthála = lifeboat
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàta [baːhdə] = boat, craft bàtaireachd = boating bàta-aigeil = submarine bàta-asieig = ferry boat bàta-falbhain = hovercraft bàta-iasgaich = fishing boat bàta-sàbhalaidh = lifeboat bàta-siùil = sailing boat
Manx (Gaelg)	baatey [ˈbɛːðə] = boat, even keel baateyrys = boating baatey assaig = ferry boat baatey bieauid = speedboat baatey eeastee = fishing boat baatey etlagh = seaplane baatey sauaillagh = lifeboat baatey
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bat, bad = boat badwr = boatman, waterman, ferryman
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bad = boat, barge, (small) ship badaid = boatful badlong = ketch, pinnace badwr = boatman, waterman, ferryman bad acbub = lifeboat bad pysgota = fishing boat

Etymology: from Old English bāt (boat) or from Old Norse bátr (boat), both of which come from Proto-Germanic *baitaz (boat, ship), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeyd- (to break, split) [Source].

The English word boat comes from the same roots, as do words for boat in many other languages [Source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scaf, scaffu, scafa = ship
Irish (Gaeilge)	scafa [sˠkɑfˠə] = ship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgoth [sgɔh] = skiff sgothag = little skiff, small yacht, cutter sgiof [sgʲif] = skiff (boat) sgib [sgʲib] = small ship (archaic)
Manx (Gaelg)	skiff = skiff
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	esgraff, yscraff, ysgraff = boat, barge, ferry
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgraff, sgraff = boat, barge, skiff, ferry, ship, raft ysgraffbont = pontoon ysgraffwr, ysgraffydd = ferryman, boatman, bargee
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scath = boat scath hîr = long boat
Cornish (Kernewek)	skath = boat skathik = dinghy skath hir = barge skath kloos = raft skath tan = motor-boat skath sawya = lifeboat skath-wolya = sailing boat
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scaph, scaff, sqaff, skaf = skiff skavat, skafad = contents of a skiff
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skaf = skiff, landing net

Etymology: possibly from Latin scapha (a light boat, skiff), from Ancient Greek σκάφη (skáphē – light boat, skiff), from σκᾰ́πτω (skáptō – to dig, delve); or from Old Norse skúta (small craft, cutter) [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*lestrom = vessel, pot
Old Irish (Goídelic)	lestar = vessel, container, beehive
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lestar = vessel, container, beehive, ship, boat lestarach = frequented by ships
Irish (Gaeilge)	leastar [ˈl̠ʲasˠt̪ˠəɾˠ] = vessel, container (for liquids), cask, firkin, (wash) tub, punt (boat), tub; squat, dumpy person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leastar = small boat, cup, vessel, furniture of a house
Proto-Brythonic	*llestr = vessel, container
Old Welsh	lestir = vessel, container
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llestri, llestyr = vessel, container llestreit, llestraid, llestred = vesselful, caskful, tubful, bushel llestryn, llestrun = small vessel, small barrel, boat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llestr [ɬɛstr/ˈɬɛstɛr] = vessel, bushel, ship, boat, beehive, womb, uterus llestraid = vesselful, caskful, tubful, bushel llestrwr = maker of vessels, potter llestryn = small vessel, small barrel, boat, human body
Old Cornish	lester = vessel, container
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lester = vessel, ship golowlester = a light-vessel, a lamp
Cornish (Kernewek)	lester = dish, ship, utensil vessel lester eth = steam boat lester-bargesi = hovercraft lester=gwari = yacht lester-sedhi = submarine annedh lester = houseboat lestrier = (kitchen) dresser lestriva = dockyard lestryn = container
Old Breton	lestr = ship, vessel, container
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lestr = ship, vessel, container lestr-dre-dan = steamship lestr-kroazer, lestr-reder = cruiser
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lestr [ˈlɛstʁ] = vessel, container, ship lestr-spluj[lɛs.ˈplyːʃ] = submarine aerlestr [ˈɛʁlestʁ] = aircraft lestrañ [ˈlɛstrã] = to board, load (a vehicle) dilestrañ [diˈlɛsːtrã] = to disemark

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ- (to fold, weave). The Goidelic words were possibly borrowed from Proto-Brythonic [Source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cwch, cŵch = boat, beehive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwch [kʊχ] = boat, beehive
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coc = boat
Cornish (Kernewek)	kok = fishing boat
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	couc’h = cover of a beehive, hull (of a boat)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kouc’h = cover of a beehive, hull (of a boat) kouc’hañ = to cover (a beehive)

Etymology: possibly cognate with the English word cog (a clinker-built, flat-bottomed, square-rigged mediaeval ship of burden, or war with a round, bulky hull and a single mast; a small fishing boat), which comes from Middle Dutch cogghe (clinker-built, flat-bottomed sailing cargo ship of the Middle Ages), from Proto-Germanic *kuggō, from PIE *gugā (hump, ball) [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, Cleasby & Vigfusson Old Norse dictionary

Spears and Javelins

6th July 20237th July 2023 By Simon

Words for spear, javelin and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*gaisos = spear
Gaulish	gaisos = spear Ariogaisos = male given name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gae [ɡai̯] = javelin, spear, penis gae cró = gush of blood, haemorrhage, unhealed wound gae gréne = sunbeam
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gae, ga = spear, javelin; ray, beam ga-ín = little javelin gaíde = armed with a spear
Irish (Gaeilge)	ga [ɡa/ɡaː/ɡah] = spear, dart, sting, ray (of light), radius, suppository, (fishing) gaff ga-chatóideach = cathode ray ga-gréine = sunbeam ga-gealaí = moonbeam ga-shiméadracht = radial symmetry gáma-gha = gamma ray X-gha = X-ray
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gath [ɡah] = dart, beam, ray (of light), sting, barb, knot (in wood), shooting pain, sprout gath-gealaich, gath-luain = moonbeam gath-grèine = sunbeam gath-leusair = laser beam gath-x, gath-òmair = X-ray gath cathod = cathode ray gath-solais = ray of light, light beam
Manx (Gaelg)	goull = beam, dart, ray goull eayst = moonbeam
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guaew, gvoev, gwaew, gwayw = lance, spear, javelin gwaewdwnn = with broken spear, bold, broken by pain gwaew ffon, gwaiw ffon = speak, lance, javelin, pike
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwayw [ɡweɨ̯.ʊ/ˈɡwei̯.u] = lance, spear, javelin; shooting pain, stab, stitch, pang gwaywawr, gwaywor = spearman, lancer, pikeman gwaywdwn = with broken spear, bold, broken by pain gwayw-fwyell = halberd gwaywffon [ˈɡweɨ̯wfɔn/ˈɡwei̯wfɔn] = speak, lance, javelin, pike
Old Cornish	(hoch-)wuyu = spear
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guw = spear. lance, javelin
Cornish (Kernewek)	guw = spear guwa = to spear
Old Breton	(guu)goiou = spear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goaff, goaf, goao, gwaf = spear, stamen, boat hook
Breton (Brezhoneg)	goaf = spear, pike, javelin, stamen

Etymology: from Proto-Germanic *gaizaz [ˈɣɑi̯.zɑz] (spear, pike, javelin), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰoysós (throwing spear), from *ǵʰey- (to throw, impel) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include gezi [ɡe̞.s̻i] (arrow) in Basque (via Latin and Gaulish), գայիսոն [ɡɑjiˈsɔn/kʰɑjiˈsɔn] (sceptre) in Armenian (via Ancient Greek), gaesum (a Gaulish javelin) in Latin, and γαῖσος [ɡâi̯.sos] (a Gaulish javelin) in Ancient Greek [source].

Words from the same Proto-Germanic root include garfish (any fish of the needlefish family Belonidae) in English [source], geer (spear) in Dutch, Ger (spear) in German, geir (spear) in Icelandic, keihäs (spear, javelin, pike) in Finnish, [source].

My surname, Ager, possibly comes from the same Proto-Germanic root as well, via the Old English name Ēadgār, from ēad (happiness, prosperity), and gār (spear) [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Short Cuts

26th May 202326th May 2023 By Simon

Words for short, cut and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*birros = short
Old Irish (Goídelc)	berr [bʲer͈] = short berraid = to shear, clip, shave, cut, shear, tonsure
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	berr, bearr = short berrad = to cut, clip, shave, cut, tonsure
Irish (Gaeilge)	bearr [bʲɑːɾˠ/bʲaːɾˠ] = to clip, cut, trim, cut (hair), shave, fleece (sb) bearradh = cutting bearrthóir = trimmer, shearer bearrthóireacht = trimming, cutting speech
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beàrr = short, brief (archaic) beàrr [bjaːr̪ˠ] = to cut, shave, crop, shear, pare, prune, clip, poll, dehorn
Manx (Gaelg)	baarey = to bare, clip, cut, dress, poll, prune, shave, trimmed baareyder = barber, cutter, shaver, clipper baarys = tonsure
Gaulish	*birros = a coarse kind of thick woollen cloth; a woollen cap or hood worn over the shoulders or head<
Proto-Brythonic	*bɨrr [ˈbɨr͈] = short
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	birr, byrr = short, small, brief bŷr-brŷd = a short meal of meat uyrder, byrder = shortness, brevity
Welsh (Cymraeg)	byr [bɨ̞r/bɪr] = short, small, brief, concise, condensed, abrupt, curt, stingy, sparing, deficient, faulty byrbryd = light meal, lunch, snack byrbwyll = rash, reckless, thoughtless byrder = shortness, brevity, smallness, conciseness, scarity, deficiency byrdra = shortness, brevity, smallness, curtness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ber = short, diminutive, brief beranal = asthma, shortness of breath
Cornish (Kernewek)	berr [bɛɹ] = short, brief berrhe = to abbreviate, shorten berrheans = abrreviation berrskrifa = to summarise berrwelyek = short-sighted
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	berr, ber, bèr = short, brief berr-ha-berr = very short, shortly briefly berraat = to shorten, abbreivate, reduce berradenn = shortening berradur = abbreviation
Breton (Brezhoneg)	berr = short, brief berr-ha-berr = very short, shortly briefly berradenn = shortening berradur = abbreviation

Etymology: unknown

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Latin and Gaulish, include beret in English, béret (beret) in French, berret (cap) in Gascon, biretta (a square cap worm by Roman Catholic priests) in English and Italian, berretto (beanie, cap) in Italian, barrete (biretta, cap) in Portuguese, birrete (biretta) in French, and βίρρος [ˈβir.ros] (a type of cloak or mantle) in Ancient Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	gerros = short gari- = short
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gerr, gearr = short, a short time, castrated gerraid = to cut, mutilate, shorten, carve garait [ˈɡarədʲ] = short
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gerr [ɡʲer͈] = short gairaid = to cut short, cut off, mutilate garit, garait, gairit = short (time/distance/length)
Irish (Gaeilge)	gearr [ɟɑːɾˠ/ɟaːɾˠ] = short; to cut, shorten, reduce gearrachán = cutting remark gearradh = cutting, cut, levy, rate, speed gearrán = gelding, pack-horse, small horse, nag, strong-boned woman gearróg = short bit, scrap, short drill or furrow, short stocky girl, short answer gearrthóg = cutting, snippet, trimmings, cutlet gearrthóir = cutter, chisel gairid [ˈɡaɾʲədʲ] = short, near, close
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geàrr [gʲaːr̪ˠ] = short, thick-set, squat, dumpy, brief, concise, succinct, scanty; to cut, carve, sever, dock goirid [gɤrʲɪdʲ] = short, brief, brusque giorraich [gʲir̪ɪç] = abbreviate, abrige, shorten, curtail giorrachadh [gʲir̪ˠəxəɣ] = abbreviation, abridgement, summary
Manx (Gaelg)	giare = abbreviated, abridged, abrupt, brief, brusque, compact, concise, curt, short, summary giarey = to abbreviate, abridge, axe, carve castrate, clip, cut girraghey = to abbreviate, abridge, contract, shorten

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰer- (short). Words from the same PIE root include ह्रस्व [ˈɦɾɐs̪.ʋɐ] (short, small, dwarfish, little, low; a dwarf) in Sanskrit, and ह्रस्व [ɦɾəs̪.ʋᵊ] (a short vowel) in Hindi, and possibly girl in English [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Leaves

8th April 2023 By Simon

Words for leaves, foliage and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*dolyā = leaf
Gaulish	doula, dula = leaf
Old Irish (Goídelc)	duilne = leaf
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	duille = leaf, foliage duillebad = foilage duillebar = leafage, foilage duillech = leafy, abounding in foliage, leaf-shaped
Irish (Gaeilge)	duille [d̪ˠɪlʲə] = leaf, foliage, eyelid, glory, wealth, handout, leaflet duilleach = leafy, leaf-shaped, leaf-patterned duilleachán, duilleoigín = leaflet duilleog = leaf, page (of book), sheet (of paper) duilligh = to foliate duilliúr = leaves, foliage, greenery
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	duille [dɯl̪ʲə] = sheath, blade duille-dhoras = valve duilleach = foliage, leaf duilleag = leaf, page, sheet, lobe, sternum duilleach = leafy duilleagach = leafy, abounding in leaves
Manx (Gaelg)	duilley = leaf duillag = page, pamphlet, sheet, leaf duillaghey = foliation, infoliate, leaf
Proto-Brythonic	*döl = leaf
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	deil = leaves, leaf, foliage, herbs deilyar = with rustling leaves deilyawc = leafy, green with foliage deiloed = a tryst in a leafy bower
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dail = leaves, leaf, foliage, (medicinal) herbs, (metal) foil deiliaf, deilio = to bear/put forth leaves, to shoot or sprout (into foliage), to bear progeny deiliant = sprouting of leaves, foliage, leafage deiliar = with rustling leaves deiliedig = bearing leaves, leafy deilig = small leaf, leaflet deiliog = leafy, green with foliage, leaf-like, laminated, foliate dalen = leaf (of a book/table), sheet (of paper), plate, (metal) foil
Old Cornish	delen = leaf
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	delen = leaf deil = leaves
Cornish (Kernewek)	delen = leaf delennek = leafy
Old Breton	dol = leaf, foliage
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	deil, del = leaf
Breton (Brezhoneg)	deil, del = leaf, foliage

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dʰelh₁- (to grow). Words from the same roots include դալար (dalar – green, verdant, young) in Armenian, dal (I exit, go out, leave) in Albanian, and θάλλω (thállō – to bloom, sprout, grow) in Ancient Greek, [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Baskets

24th February 202324th February 2023 By Simon

Words for baskets and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*kleibo = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clíab = basket, breast, chest, ribcage
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clíab = basket, skep, bee-hive, coracle, currach, breast, bosom cliabach = slender-bodied cliabaire = infant cliabán = cradle, bird-trip, bird-cage
Irish (Gaeilge)	cliabh [klʲiəvˠ/klʲiəw] = ribbed frame; body, chest, bosom; creel, pannier basket cliabhadóir = creel-maker cliabhadóireacht = creel-making cliabhaire = basket-carrier, travelling poultry-dealer cliabhán = cradle, wicker cage cliabhrach = bodily frame, chest, thorax; (person of) large frame
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cliabh [kliəv] = basket, creel, pannier, ribcage, straightjacket cliabhadh [kliəvəɣ] = (act of) putting into a creel cliabhan = small creel, small hamper, wreckage, broken timbers cliabhadair, cliabhair [kliəvədɪrʲ] = basket-maker
Manx (Gaelg)	clean = pannier, potato creel, twig basket; cot, cradle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kauell, cawell = basket, pannier, cradle cawelleit = basketful, hamperful, quiverful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cawell = basket, pannier; cradle; fish-trap, creel, cage; quiver; belly, breast cawellaf, cawellu = to put into a hamper or basket; cradle cawellaid = basketful, hamperful, quiverful cawellig = little basket cawellwr = basket-maker, maker of wicker fish-traps
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cawal, cauwal, cowal = hamper, basket, pannier cawel gwanan beehive
Cornish (Kernewek)	kowel = hamper, basket, cage kowel gwenen beehive kowel-gwari = playpen kowella = to cage
Old Breton	cauell, cauèl, queuel, qavell = cradle, trap, locker
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kavell, kavel, kevell, cauell = cradle, trap, locker kavell-bez = tomb kavellad = contents of a trap kavellañ = to put in a basket
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kavell = cradle, trap, locker kavell-bez = tomb

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱley- (to lean) [source]. Celtic words for fence, hurdle, lattice and related things come from the same root: more details, as do words for left and related things.

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish and Latin, include claie (wicker rack, trellis, hurdle) in French and cheda (wattled laterals at the base of a traditional cart) in Galician [source].

Words from the same PIE root include client, climate, clinic, incline and lean in English, leunen (to lean) in Dutch, lehnen (to lean) in German, chinàre (to bend) in Italian, and clemente (lenient) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ces = basket
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ces = basket, hamper, pannier, bee-hive, skep, causeway of hurdles
Irish (Gaeilge)	cis [cɪʃ] = wicker container, basket, crate, plaited or crossed twigs as support for causeway ciseach = wattled causeway, improved path, footbridge, over soft ground or drain, hamper ciseachán = breadbasket, stomach ciseán = (wicker) basket ciseadóir = wicker-worker, basket-maker ciseadóireacht = wicker-work, basketry ciseog = shallow basket (for potatoes, etc) cispheil = basketball
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cis [kʲiʃ] = (large) woven/wicker basket, wickerwork panel, hurdle ciseach [kʲiʃəx] = wickerwork path/bridge ciseag, cisean, ciosan = small woven basket or creel, kishie cisean [kliəvədɪrʲ] = basket-maker
Manx (Gaelg)	kishan = skep kishan pabyr = waste paper basket kishan shellan = hive

Etymology: from Old Norse kista (chest, box), from Latin cista (trunk, chest, casket), from Ancient Greek κίστη (kístē – box, chest, casket), from Proto-Indo-European *kisteh₂ (woven container) [source].

Words from the same roots include chest in English, kist (chest, box, trunk, coffer) in Scots, Kiste (box, crate, case, chest) in German, ciste (chest, coffer, treasure, fund) in French, cesta (basket, hamper) in Spanish [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	bascaed = basket
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	basgaid [basgɪdʲ] = basket basgaid-arain = breadbasket basgaid-bidhe = hamper basgaid-sgudail = wastebasket ball-basgaid = basketball
Manx (Gaelg)	basca(i)d, baskad, bastag = pannier, potato creel, twig basket; cot, cradle bastag arran = breadbasket bastageyr = basket maker
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	basged, bascet, basced = basket, basketful basgedeit = basketful, hamperful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	basgeg = basket, basketful basgedaf, basgedu = to place in a basket, to make baskets basged(i)aid = basketful, hamperful basgedwaith = basketry, basketwork, wickerwork basgedwr, basgedydd = basket-maker
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	basced = basket
Cornish (Kernewek)	basket = basket

Etymology: from Middle English basket, from Anglo-Norman bascat (basket), possibly from Late Latin bascauda (a woven mat or vessel to hold basketwork), from Proto-Celtic *baskis (bundle, load), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰask- (bundle), or non-Indo-European source.

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include bâche (tarpaulin, canvas sheet, cover) in French, vascullo (broom, bundle of straw) in Galician, basket in English, فَشْقَار (fašqār – a heap of sheaves) in Arabic [source].

Other words from the PIE root *bʰask- include fascis (bundle, burden, load, high office) in Latin, and possibly bast (fibre made from certain plants used for matting and cord) in English, bast (bast, raffia) in Danish, bast (inner bark, velvet, skin, hide) in Dutch, and bashkë (together, simultaneously) in Albanian [source].

There are more details on the Burdensome Loads Celtiadur post, and the Celtic Pathways Baskets episode.

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

Copper

7th June 20227th June 2022 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	*omiyom = copper, bronze
Old Irish (Goídelc)	umae, humae [ˈu.ṽe] = copper, bronze, brass
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	uma = copper, bronze, brass
Irish (Gaeilge)	umha = copper, copper alloy, bronze umhadhaite = bronze-coloured, bronzed umhaí = worker in copper or bronze cré-umha = bronze cré-umhaigh = to bronze salachar-umha = verdigris
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	umha [ũ.ə] = bronze, copper, brass umhach = coppery, brassy umha-dhathte = copper-coloured, bronze-coloured ceàrd-umha = coppersmith Linn an Umha = the Bronze Age meirg-umha = verdigris
Manx (Gaelg)	ooha = bronze cur ooha er = to bronze, bronzing Yn Eash Ooha = the Bronze Age
Proto-Brythonic	*öβ̃ɨð = bronze, copper
Old Welsh	emid, emed = bronze, copper
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	euyð, euyd = bronze, copper
Welsh (Cymraeg)	efydd [ˈɛvɨ̞ð / ˈeːvɪð] = bronze, brass, copper; made of bronze brass or copper; brazen; bronze colour, coppery efyddaf, efyddu = to cover or adorn with brass or copper, to braze efyddaid = made of bronze or brass; brazen, brazed efyddog = brassy, coppery efyddwr = brass-smith, copper-smith medal efydd = bronze medal mwyn efydd = copper ore, copper mine Oes yr Efydd = Bronze Age

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Celtic *omos (raw), from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eh₃mós (raw, uncooked, bitter, sour) [source].

Some words from the same PIE root, via the Latin amārus (bitter, harsh, sour, dire), include amaro (bitter) in Italian, amer (bitter, sour) in French, amarillo (yellow, golden coloured) in Spanish [source], and marulă (lettuce) in Romanian [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	copar [ˈkopˠəɾˠ] = copper gabha copair = coppersmith coparás = copperas, copper sulphate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	copar [kɔhbər] = copper coparach = cuperous, like copper, coppery copar-dubhaidh = copperas, green vitriol (iron(II) sylphate)
Manx (Gaelg)	cobbyr, copuir = copper cobbyragh = copperish, cupric gaaue cobbyr = coppersmith plait cobbyr = copperplate
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	copyr, copr, kopyr = copper
Welsh (Cymraeg)	copr, copor, coper = copper; something of little value; red hair gof copr = copper-smith gwaith copr = copper-works, vessels made of copper mwyn copr = copper ore, copper mine
Cornish (Kernewek)	kober [stɛːn / steːn] = copper kobrek = copper (colour)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kouevr = copper kouevrek = cupric (relating to or containing copper) kouevrus = cuprous (relating to or containing copper)

Etymology: from the Middle English coper (copper, bronze), from the Old English copor (copper), from the Proto-Germanic *kuprą (copper), from the Latin Latin cuprum (copper) from the Ancient Greek Κύπρος (Cyprus – where large reserves of copper can be found). The Breton word kouevr was borrowed from the French cuivre (copper, brass), from the same Latin root [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Metal

30th May 202230th May 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for metal, ore, mines and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*mēnis = ore, metal, mine
Old Irish (Goídelc)	méin, mían [mʲeːnʲ] = mineral, ore, metal
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	méin, mían [mʲeːnʲ] = mineral, ore, metal míanach = vein of ore, mine míanaige = miner
Irish (Gaeilge)	mianach = ore; stuff, material, substance, quality mianadóir = miner mianrach = mineral mianreolaí = mineralogist mianreolaíocht = mineralogy mianadóireacht = mining; burrowing, excavating, digging deep
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mèinn [mɛːn̪ʲ] = mine, ore mèinnear, mèinneadair = miner mèinnireach = mineral mèinn-guail = coal mine, colliery mèinn-talmhainn = landmine mèinn salainn = salt mine mèinneadh = mining mèinnearach = mining mèinn-eòlas = mineralogy mèinneadh = mineralogical mèinnearach = mineralogist
Manx (Gaelg)	meain = ore, mine meainagh = ore meain-oayllys, meaineraght = metallurgy meain-oaylee, meaineraght = mineralogist meain arih = gold mine meain argid = silver mine meain chobbyr = copper mine meain gheayil = coal mine, colliery meain hollan = salt mine meain leoaie = lead mine
Proto-Brythonic	*muɨn = ore, metal, mine
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mwyn, mŵn = mineral, ore, mine
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mwyn = mineral, ore, mine mwynwr = miner, sapper mwyn arian = silver ore, silver mine mwyn aur = gold ore, gold mine mwyn cellt = quartz mwyn coch = red lead, red ochre, haematite, other red ores mwyn copr = copper ore, copper mine mywn du = blacklead, graphite mwyn efydd = copper ore, copper mine mwyn haearn = iron ore
Cornish (Kernewek)	moon = fusible metal mineral, mineral
Middle Breton	*men = iron
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mengleuz = quarry, slate quarry, mine mengleuzer = slate quarry worker mengleuzerezh = mining industry mengleuziañ = to mine mengleuziek = mining mengleuzier = quarryman

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: probably from the Proto-Indo-European *mēy(H)nis, from *(s)mēy(H)- (to cut, hew) [source].

The English word mine (an excavation from which ore or solid minerals are taken) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Old French myne, mine, the Late Latin mina and Gaulish [source].

Middle Irish (Goídelc)	mital(l) = metal
Irish (Gaeilge)	miotal [ˈmʲɪt̪ˠəlˠ] = metal; mettle, spirit, hardihood miotalach = metallic; mettlesome, spirited; hardy, wiry miotalagrafaíocht = metallography miotalóir = metallurgist miotalóireach = metallurgic(al) miotalóireacht = metal-work, metallurgy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	miotal, meiteal = metal = miner meatailteach = metallic obair-mheatailtean, obair-mheatailt = metalwork, metallurgy meatailt uasal = precious metal
Manx (Gaelg)	metal = metal
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mettel = metal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	metel, metal = metal, metal weapon or armour; substance, mettle, bravery, courage metelaidd, metelig = metallic meteleg = metallurgy metelegol = metallurgical metelegwr, metelegydd = metallurgist
Cornish (Kernewek)	metol = metal metolyek = metallic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	metal = metal metalerezh = metallurgy metalour = metallurgist

Etymology (Welsh): from the Middle English metel(l), metal(l) (metal, ore), from the Old French metal (metal), from the Latin metallum (metal, precious metals, mine), from the Ancient Greek μέταλλον (métallon – metal, precious metals, mine) [source].

Etymology (Irish): from the Old French metal (metal), then as above [source].

The English word metal comes from the same roots, via Middle English, Old French, etc [source]. The word mettle (a quality of endurance and courage) was originally a variant of metal, and later came to have a figurative sense [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Circles

29th September 202118th August 2023 By Simon

Words for circle, ring and related words in Celtic languages.

There are three words for circle in Proto-Celtic: *kerk-injo-, *kerkinn- and *kuro-. They don’t appear to have descendents in modern Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ānniyos = ring
Old Irish (Goídelc)	áinne = ring
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	áinne, ánne = ring, circuit, anusm posterior
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáinne [ˈfˠɑːɲə/ˈfˠæːn̠ʲə] = ring, circle, ringlet, curl, halo fáinneach = annular, ring-like, ringed, ringleted, whorled, adorned, beautiful fáinneadóir = ring-maker, dealer in rings fáinneáil = (act of) circling, fluttering fáinneán -= ampitheatre, circus fáinneog = ringlet, curl fáinneoir = person who rings animals fáinnigh = to ring, encircle, dawn fáinniú = encirclement, dawning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fàinne [faːn̪ʲə] = ring, ringlet, circle fàinneach [faːn̪ʲəx] = pertaining to or like a ring, ringed fàinneachadh [faːn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) curling, ringing fàinneag [faːn̪ʲag] = small ring, ringlet
Manx (Gaelg)	fainey = circle, puck, whorl, wreathe, ring fainnit = ringed

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁eh₂no- (ring). Cognate with the Latin ānus (ring, anus), and anus in English, French, Catalan and Romanian [source].

The English word phon(e)y (fraudulent, fake) possibly comes from the old slang word fawney (a gilt brass ring used by swindlers; a finger ring), from the Irish fáinne (ring) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	circul = circle, orbit, zone, hoop
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	circul = circle, orbit, zone, hoop
Irish (Gaeilge)	ciorcal [ˈkiɾˠkəlˠ] = circle ciorcalach = circular, cyclic ciorcalaigh = to encircle, circle ciorclán = circular (letter)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cearcall [kʲɛrxgl̪ˠ] = circle, cycle, ring (circus, etc), hoop cearclach = circular, cyclic(al)
Manx (Gaelg)	kiarkyl = ring, circle, rim, coterie kiarklagh = cyclic(al), rotund, circulatory kiarkylagh = circular daachiarkyl = bicycle
Proto-Brythonic	*kɨrxl [aˈbɛːr] = circle, ring
Old Welsh	circhl = circle, ring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kylch, kylc = circle, ring
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cylch [kɨ̞lχ/kɪlχ] = circle, ring, compass, scope, range, circumference, environs, surroundsing, precints, zone, belt, hoop, social circle, orbit, revolution, period, cycle, halo cylchai = halo cylchaidd = circular, round(ish) cylchig = circlet, small circle cylch(i)ol = circular, orbital, surrounding, itinerant, periodic, cyclic cylchu, cylch(i)af, cylcho = to hoop, rim (a wheel)
Cornish (Kernewek)	kelgh, kylgh = circle, hoop, round, ring kylghek = circular kylghigow = hoop-la kylghlavar = circumlocution kylghvusur = perimeter
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kelc’h = circle, disc, halo kelc’hdro = orbit kelc’hennva = ampitheatre kelc’hiad = circumference kelc’hiek = circular
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kelc’h = circle, halo kelc’hiañ = to surround, define, figure out kelc’hier = compass kelc’htreiñ = to orbit kelc’htro = orbit kelc’htroel = orbital

Etymology: from the Latin circulus (circle), from circus (circle, ring, racecourse, circus), from the Ancient Greek κίρκος (kírkos – circle, ring) from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (to bend, turn) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Plums

19th May 202119th May 2021 By Simon

Words for plums, damsons and sloes, and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	agrinyom/agrinyā = sloe, small plum, berry
Irish (Gaeilge)	airne [ˈɑːɾˠn̠ʲə / ˈæːɾˠn̠ʲə] = sloe, gland airneog = sloe tree, blackthorn biotáille airní = sloe gin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àirne [aːr̪n̪ʲə] = blackthorn, sloe (berry), wild plum (prunus domestica), damson (prunus domestica insititia) àirneag = sloe bush
Manx (Gaelg)	airn = sloe, bullace airnagh = sloe-covered soo airney = sloe jam drine airn = blackthorn, sloe tree (Prunus spinosa)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eirin(en) [ˈei̯rɪn] = plum(s), damson(s), sloe(s), bullace, berries, testicle(s) eirina = to collect sloes or bullace eirin bwlas = bullace, wild plums (Prunus insititia), damsons eirin damasg/Damasgus = damson eirin Ffrainc/Ffrengig = prunes eirin gwlanog = peaches, apricots eirin gwynion = greengages eirin Mair = gooseberries eirin y moch = haws, hawthorn berries eirin morwydd = mulberries eirin peatus = nectarines eirin ysgaw = elderberries eirin y gors = crowberries
Old Cornish	yryn = sloes
Cornish (Kernewek)	eyrin(en) = sloe(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	irin(enn) = sloe(s), sloe gin; pupil, eye

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ógeh₂ (berry) [source]. The English word acorn comes from the same root, via the Proto-Germanic *h₂ógeh₂ [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Irish (Gaeilge)	pluma [ˈpˠlˠʊmˠə] = plum daimsín [ˈpˠlˠʊmˠə] = damson
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	plumais / plùmbais [pl̪ˠumɪʃ / pl̪ˠuːmbɪʃ] = plum daimsin [dãĩmʃɪn] = damson
Manx (Gaelg)	plumbis = plum damsyl = damson
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plemys(en) = plum(s)
Cornish (Kernewek)	ploum(en) = plum(s) ploum(en) sygh = prune(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	prun(enn) = plum(s)

Etmology (plum): from the Middle English ploume/plomme (plum) from the Old English plūme/plume (plum), from the Proto-West Germanic *plūmā (plum), from the Latin prūnum (plum), from the Ancient Greek προῦμνον (proûmnon – plum). Prune comes from the same root [source]

Etmology (damson): from the Middle English damascene/damasyn/damacene (damson), from the Latin prūnum damascēnum (Damascene plum, plum of Damascus), from the Ancient Greek προῦμνον (proûmnon – plum) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Milk

13th May 202113th May 2021 By Simon

Words for milk, and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*laxto- = milk
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lacht [l͈axt] = milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	lacht [l̪ˠɑxt̪ˠ / l̪ˠaxt̪ˠ] = milk, yield of milk; tears lachtadh = lacation; flooding (of eyes) lachaí = nursling lachtach = lactic, milky; tearful lachtbhán = milkwhite lachtmhar = lactiferous, milky, abounding in milk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lac, lachd = sweet milk
Manx (Gaelg)	laghtveih = milk gauge, milk tester
Proto-Brythonic	*llaɨθ = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaeth = milk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaeth [ɬaːɨ̯θ / ɬai̯θ] = milk; milk-like substance, latex; milt, soft roe llaetha(f), llaethu = to yield milk, lactate, feed with milk, turn to milk llaetheiddrwydd = milkiness, lactescence llaethiad = lactation llaethlyd = milk-like, milky llaethog = milky, abounding in milk llaethogrwydd, llaethedd = milkiness llaethwraig = milkmaid, dairymaid, good milker llaethyddol = dairy, dairying y Llwybr Llaethog the Milky Way
Old Cornish	lait = milk
Middle Cornish	leth, leyth = milk
Cornish (Kernewek)	leth = milk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	laezh [ˈlɛːs] = milk

Etmology: from the Vulgar Latin *lacte (milk), from the Latin *lac (milk), from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵlákt [source].

Proto-Celtic	*mlixtus = milk
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mlicht [mʲlʲixt] = milch, in milk (of cattle)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	blicht = milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bleacht [bʲlʲaxt̪ˠ] = milk, milk yield
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bliochd [blixg] = milkiness, milk bliochdmhor [blixg(v)ər] = milky, full of milk bliochdach = milky, like milk, lacteous
Manx (Gaelg)	bluight = lactiferous, lacteal, galactic bluightagh, ollagh vluight = milking cows
Proto-Brythonic	*bliθ = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	blyth = milk lleurith = milk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	blith [bliːθ] = milch, lactating (of cow, etc), full of milk, in calf, in lamb, pregant, fruitful, productive, nourising; milk, dairy produce, lactation, dairying; profit, gain, advantage blithog, blithiog = milch, giving milk, full of milk, fruitful, productive, bearing offspring llefrith [ˈɬɛvrɪθ] = milk, new milk, sweet milk, fresh milk
Old Cornish	leuerid = milk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	livrizh = milk

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ml̥ǵtus, from *h₂melǵ- (milk, to milk) [source].

The Welsh word llefrith, which is used in North Wales, comes from llef (weak) and blith (milk) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bandyo- = drop
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bannae = drop
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bainne = milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bainne [ˈbˠɑɲə / ˈbˠɑnʲə / ˈbˠan̠ʲə] = milk bainniúil = milky, milk-yielding bainniúlacht = milkiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bainne [ban̪ʲə] = milk, milky fluid, sap bainneach [ban̪ʲəx] = milk, like milk, lacteous
Manx (Gaelg)	bainney = milk bainnagh = lactic, milk producing, milky, galactic bainnaght = milkiness yn Raad Mooar Bainnagh the Milky Way
Middle Cornish	banne = drop
Cornish (Kernewek)	banna = drop
Breton (Brezhoneg)	banne = drop, droplet, glass

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Slavic *baňa (bath), from the Ancient Greek *βαλανεῖον (balaneîon, bath) [source], which is the root of words for bath(room) in many European languages, including bain in French, baño in Spanish and bagno in Italian [source].

Other words for milk in Proto-Celtic include: *glaxtā-, *melgos-, *mlig-e/o-, *seigi- and *sutu-.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Ancient Greek (Ἑλληνική)

Boats and Ships

Spears and Javelins

Short Cuts

Leaves

Baskets

Copper

Metal

Circles

Plums

Milk