Sticky Glue

2nd October 2025 By Simon

Words for glue and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gloidos = glue, lime
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gláed [ˈɡlaːi̯ð] = glue
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gláed, glaed, glaedh, glaod = glue, birdlime gláedamail = glutinous, viscous gláedid = to adhere, hold fast gláeta = stuck, glued
Irish (Gaeilge)	glae = glue, gluey, sticky, substance, slime glaeigh = to glue glaeúil = gluey, slimy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glaodh [gl̪ˠɯː] = comb, cud, honeycomb glaodhach [gl̪ˠɯː.əx] = gluey, pasty, (act of) gluing glaodhadh [gl̪ˠɯː.əɣ] = (act of) gluing, (act of) pasting glaodhte [gl̪ˠɯːdʲə] = glued, pasted
Manx (Gaelg)	gleiy = glue, adhesive, gum, jelly, mucilage gleihagh = jelly, jellylike gleighaghey = to (turn to, make) jelly
Proto-Brythonic	*glʉd = glue (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glut, glud, glvd = glue, gum, birdlime glud, glut = sticky, adhesive, glutinous, viscious, tenacious glvdio, gludio = to glue, glum, paste, solder, fasten securely, cling, adhere, stick
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glud [ɡlɨːd / ɡliːd] = glue, gum, birdlime, paste, mess, gluten glud [ɡlɨːd / ɡliːd] = sticky, adhesive, glutinous, viscious, tenacious, constant, diligent, stubborn glud(i)aidd = sticky, viscid, gluey, clammy gludedd = tenacity gludiad = a gluing together, agglutination, cohesion, glutinousness glud(i)o = to glue, glum, paste, solder, fasten securely, cling, adhere, stick glud(i)og = gluey, glutinous, gummy, viscous, sticky, clammy glutgaul, glutgawl = jelly llud = slime
Old Cornish	glut = glue
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	glut = glue, viscous matter, paste
Cornish (Kernewek)	glus = glue, adhesive, gum, resin glusa = to glue glusek, glujek = adhesive, sticky
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glut = glue gludaff = to glue
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glud = glue gludañ = to glue gludegezh = viscosity gludek = sticky, viscous gludenn = sticky matter, glue gludennerezh = viscosity

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gleyH- (to smear, to stick, glue, putty) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include gluten, glue, clay and cloth in English, kline (to smear) in Norwegian, hlína (earth, soil, clay) in Czech, liiv (sand) in Estonian, Klei (clay) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*glinati = to adhere
Old Irish (Goídelc)	glenaid [ˈɡʲlʲe.nəðʲ] = to stick (to), cling, adhere
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gláedid = to adhere, hold fast, stuck, glued
Irish (Gaeilge)	glean = to stick, adhere, agglutinate
Proto-Brythonic	*glɨnad = to stick (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glynu = to adhere, cleave, cling, stick, keep close, bind firmly
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glynu [ˈɡlənɨ̞ / ˈɡləni] = to adhere, cleave, cling, stick, keep close, bind firmly glynedig = stuck, sticking, sticky, adhesive, attached, connected glyniad = adhesion, adherence, attachment glynllyd = sticky glynol = clinging, adherent, tenacious, sticky, adhesive, infectious
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gleny, glyné = to cling to, cleave to, adhere, stick
Cornish (Kernewek)	glena (orth) = to adhere (to), stick (to) glenus = adhesive glenysen = sticker
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glenaff = to stick englenaff* = to stick

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gli-né-H-ti, from *gleyH- (to smear, to stick, glue, putty) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gliú = glue, adhesive stuff
Irish (Gaeilge)	gliú [ɟlʲuː] = glue gliúáil = to glue gliúch = gluey
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gluimh
Manx (Gaelg)	glooie = glue, adhesive, slime
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gliw = glue gliwaidd = gluey, sticky gliwio = to glue

Etymology: from English glue, or from Middle English glew [ɡliu̯] (glue, birdlime, tar, resin), from Old French glu (glue, birdlime), from Late Latin glūs, from Latin glūten (glue), from Proto-Italic *gloiten, from Proto-Indo-European *glóh₁ytn̥, from *gleyH- (to smear, to stick, glue, putty) [source].

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, Geriafurch, TermOfis

Crested Combs

24th September 2025 By Simon

Words for comb, crest furrow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kīsrā = comb
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cír [ˈkʲiːɾ] = comb, rake, crest, tip
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cír, cir = comb, rake, crest, tip círach = crested helmet círaid = to comb, to smooth out círán, círín = crest círmaire, cirmure = comber or fuller of cloth, comb maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíor [ciːɾˠ / ciəɾˠ] = comb, crest, cud; to comb, examine minutely, search cíorach = toothed cíoradh = combing, discussion, examination, hair-pulling, quarrelling cíoradóir = comber cíorán, círín = crest cíorláil = combing, searching, rough handling; to comb, search, rummage cíorlálaí = searcher, rummager, rough customer cíormhaire = (wool) comber, fuller, comb maker
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìr [kʲiːrʲ] = comb, cud, honeycomb cìreadh [kʲiːrʲəɣ] = (act of) combing, carding, teazing cìreag [kʲiːrʲag] = small comb cìrean [kʲiːrʲan] = comb, crest, ridging cìreanach [kʲiːrʲanəx] = pertaining to or abounding in combs, crested
Manx (Gaelg)	kerey = comb, combing, groom, hackle, teasel; to comb, mop up, tease (wool) kere [kʲeːrʲ / kʲiːr] = cobbler’s wax, comb, wax kereen = comb, coxcomb, crest, pack, topknot kereyder = comber, waxer (of wool), teaser, hackler

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kes- (to comb, scratch) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include verheddern (to entangle sth, to become entangled, to get stuck, confused) in German, hahtuva (fluff) in Finnish, kasti (mto dig, rake) in Lithuanian, česat (to comb) in Czech, кося (to mow, reap, cut) in Bulgaran, haar (hair) in Dutch, hår (hair) in Norwegian, Swedish and Danish, and hair English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*krīkʷā = trench, furrow, boundary
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crích [ˈkʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, border, furrow, territory, area críchnaigid = to complete, fulfil coicrích = border (region), neighbouring territory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crích, crich [kʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, limit (of territory), end, aim, purpose, confines, territory, district, land críchnaid = to delimit, bound, fix bounds to críchnaigecht = limits coicrích, coiccrich = border, march, neighbouring or foreign territory
Irish (Gaeilge)	críoch [cɾʲiːx] = limit, boundary, region, territory, end, completion, conclusion, fulfilment, settlement críochadóir = marker of boundaries críochadóireacht = demarcation, marking of boundaries críochaigh = to demarcate críochantacht = bounding, bordering críochnaigh = to finish, complete, accomplish críochnú = completion, accomplishment críochnúil = complete, thorough, neat, methodical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crìoch [krʲiəx] = border, frontier, boundary, end, close, finale, finish, limit(ation), goal, confines crìochach [krʲiəxəx] = finite crìochadair [krʲiəxədɪrʲ] = borderer crìochadaireachd [krʲiəxədɪrʲəxg] = bordering, demarcation, division crìochadh [krʲiəxəɣ] = ending, closing, finishing, terminating crìochaire [krʲiəxɪrʲə] = border guard/keeper
Manx (Gaelg)	creagh [krɨəx] = furrow, stack creeagh = border(line), boundary, termination creaghnaghey = to accomplish, complete, conclude creaghnee = to accomplish creaghney = to accomplish, completion creaghnit = complete(d)
Proto-Brythonic	*krib = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	crip = comb, crest
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crib = comb, wild teasel, crest cribo, cribaf, kribo = to comb, curry cribiad = combing, carding, scratch krybyn, cribin, kribyn = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint kribawc, kribawg, kribyoc, criboc, cribog = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crib [kriːb] = comb, wild teasel, crest, pride, self-conceit, honeycomb, bridge of a violin cribell = small comb, crest of a bird, ridge, ledge, summit cribin = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint cribo = to comb, curry (to groom), cope, climb, clamber, creep crib(i)og = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested cribwr, cribydd = comber, ones who cards wool, carding-machine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crib, crîb = comb, ridge, crest, summit criba(s) = to comb criban = comb, crest, tuft, plume cribia = to card wool
Cornish (Kernewek)	krib = comb, reef, arête kribas = to comb kribek, kribys = furrowed kribel = teasel kriben = ridge kribya = to card wool
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	crip = comb
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	crib = comb cribar = to comb cribell = crest cribenn = crest, peak
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krib [ˈkriːp] = comb, crest, summit kribañ = to comb kribell = crest, toupee kribellañ = to provide with a crest, crested kribelleg = crested kribenn = crest, peak, comb, summit, chatter

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *krek- (post) [source].

Nests

10th September 202510th September 2025 By Simon

Words for nest and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*nizdos = nest
Old Irish (Goídelc)	net = nest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	net, neid, nead, (n)nit = nest
Irish (Gaeilge)	nead [nʲad̪ˠ] = nest, bed, lair, snug abode, home, den, close group, gang neadaigh = to nest, nestle, bed, set, lodge, settle neadaím = to nestle neadaireacht = nesting, nest-buildling neadú = nesting, settling, nestling, bedding
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nead [n̪ʲed] = nest, circular hollow neadach = abounding in nests neadachadh [n̪ʲedəxəɣ] = (act of) nesting neadaich [n̪ʲedɪç] = nest!, to nestle, house, lie, build or make a nest neadan [n̪ʲedan] = little nest
Manx (Gaelg)	edd = nest, hat, cap
Proto-Brythonic	*nɨθ [ˈnɨːθ] = nest
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nyd, nyth, nŷth = nest nythaid, nytheid = nestful (of chicks, etc), brood nythu = to nest, nestle, lie snugly
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nyth [nɨːθ, niːθ] = nest nythaid = nestful (of chicks, etc), brood nythfa [ˈnəθva] = a colony (of birds or insects) nythiad = nesting nythle = nesting place, shelter, pigeon-hole, box nythu [ˈnəθɨ̞, ˈnəθi] = to nest, nestle, lie snugly
Old Cornish	neid = nest
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nyth, nŷth, neith = nest
Cornish (Kernewek)	neyth = nest neythik = alcove
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nith = nest
Middle Breton	nez = nest
Breton (Brezhoneg)	neizh, nezh [ˈnɛjs] = nest neizhadur = nesting neizhiad [ˈnɛjzjat] = nested neizhiañ [ˈnɛj.zjã] = to nest, to live neizhiata = to look for nests neizhiet = niche, recess

Note: the Manx word edd was probably nedd originally, but the n was rebracketed as belonging to the definite article, so y nedd became yn edd, just as a napron became an apron in English [source].

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *nisdós, from *ni (down) & *sed (sit) = “where [the bird] sits down” [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include neth (sprout, bud) in Albanian, նստել [nəsˈtel] (to sit, sink, fit, shrink) in Armenian, lizdas (nest) in Lithuanian, hnízdo (nest) in Czech, नीड़ (nīṛ – nest) in Hindi, nest, nidate (to become implanted in) and niche in English, Nest (nest, small village) in German, and nido (nest, home, nursery school) in Italian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fóir = nest, lair, den
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fóir, foir = site, area, confine, abode
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáir = hen’s nest, bed, lair fáireog = (little) nest (for hen)

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Coughing

27th August 2025 By Simon

Words for cough and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷast- = cough
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cosachtach = act of coughing, cough
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cosachtach = act of coughing, cough
Irish (Gaeilge)	casacht [ˈkɑsˠəxt̪ˠ] = cough casacht a dhéanamh = to cough casachtach [kəˈsˠɑxt̪ˠəx] = (act of) coughing, cough
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	casad [kasəd] = (act of) coughing, cough casadach [kasədəx] = cough, pertaining to or abounding in coughs casachd [kasəxg] = coughing, casachdaich [kasədɪç] = (act of) coughing, cough castaich [kasdɪç] = (act of) coughing, cough
Manx (Gaelg)	cassaght = cough cassaghtee = coughing
Proto-Brythonic	*pas = cough
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pas, pâs = cough peswch = a cough, a fit of coughing pessychu, pvssuvchv = to cough
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pas [paːs] = cough peswch [ˈpɛsʊχ] = a cough, a fit of coughing peswchboeri = to expectorate, hawk peswchboeriad = expectoaration, hawking pesychu [pɛˈsəχɨ̞] = to cough, fit(s) of coughing pesychfa = a (fit of) coughing pesych(i)ad = a coughing, cough pesychwr = one who coughs
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pas, pâz = cough
Cornish (Kernewek)	pas = cough pasa = to cough
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pas = cough
Middle Breton	pas = cough passat = to cough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	paz [ˈpɑːs] = cough, fart pasaat [paˈsɑ:t] = to cough pasadenn = fit of coughing pasaer = cougher

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂s- (to cough) [source]. Words from the same root include kollë (cough) in Albanian, hoest(en) ((to) cough) in Dutch, Husten (cough) in German, hoste (cough) in Danish, and kašel (cough) in Czech [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	trichem = cough
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	triuch = whooping cough trichem, trechem = cough, paroxism trichmech = fit of coughing
Irish (Gaeilge)	triuch [tʲɾʲʊx] = whooping cough tritheamh = fit, paroxysm tritheamh casachtaí = fit of coughing tritheamhach = convulsive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	an triugh [ən̪ˠ truɣ] = whooping cough an triuth(ach) [ən̪ˠ truh(əx)] = whooping cough triuthar [truhər] = convulsion (esp. from whooping cough)
Manx (Gaelg)	truh = whooping cough

Etymology: unknown

Note: in North Wales, one word for to cough is tagu, which is related to words for to choke and choking in the other Celtic languages. See the post To Choke for more details.

Abbots

14th February 202515th February 2025 By Simon

Words for abbot and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ap [ab] = abbot, leader, lord
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ap, abb, abbadh, apid = abbot, pope, lord apdaine = status or office of an abbot or pope
Irish (Gaeilge)	ab [abˠ] = abbot banab, máthairab = abbess abdaine = abbacy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aba [abə] = abbot ban-aba [ban abə] = abbes abachd [abəxg] = abbey abaid [abɪdʲ] = abbey, abbot abaideachd [abɪdʲəxg] = abbacy
Manx (Gaelg)	abb = abbot, abbey abb-voir, ben abb, moir abb = abbess abbaght = abbacy abban = abbey
Proto-Brythonic	*abad = abbot
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	abad, abat = abbot abad(i)aeth = abbotship, abbotship, abaty abadaidd = abbatial abades = abbess abbatyr = abbey demesne albate, abattia, abatty = abbey, monastry, priory
Welsh (Cymraeg)	âb [ab] = abbot abad [ˈabad] = abbot abadwr = abbot abad(i)aeth = abbotship, abbotship, abaty abadaidd, abadol = abbatial abades = abbess abadesty = abbey for nuns, convent, nunnery abatir = abbey demesne abaty = abbey, monastry, priory
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	abat, abbas = abbot
Cornish (Kernewek)	abas [ˈabas / ˈæbɐz] = abbot abasel = abbatial abases = abbess abatti = abbey
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	abat, abbat = abbot abades = abbess
Breton (Brezhoneg)	abad [ˈɑː.bat] = abbot abadez = abbess abadiezh = abbot’s office abati [aˈbatː.i] = abbey abatiaj = the benefit of an abbey

Etymology: from Ecclesiastical Latin abbās (abbot), from Ancient Greek ἀββᾶ(ς) (abbâ(s) – father, abbot), from Aramaic אַבָּא (’abbā – father, ancestor, progenitor, teacher, chief, leader, author, originator), from Proto-Semitic *ʔabw- (father), from Proto-Afroasiatic *ʔab (?) – ultimately an onomatopoeic nursery word [source].

Words from the same roots include abbot in English, abate (abbot) in Italian, abad (abbot) in Spanish, Abat (abbot) in German, opat (abbot) in Czech, ùbā (father, head, leader, patron) in Hausa, abbá (father, chief, director) in Afar, and אַבָּא (ába – dad, papa) in Hebrew [source].

Dutiful Laws

30th December 20246th February 2025 By Simon

Words for duty, debt, law, rule and related things in Celtic languages.

Scottish Parliament / Pàrlamaid na h-Alba / Scots Pairlament

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dligeti = to be entitled to, be obligated to
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dligid = to deserve, merit, be entitled to
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dligid, dleagaid = to be entitled to, have a right to, be owed, deserve, merit
Irish (Gaeilge)	dligh [dʲlʲɪɟ/dʲlʲiː] = to be entitled to, have a right to, deserve, merit, be incumbent on, be liable to, ought to
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dligh [dli] = owe, be due dleas [dles] = deserve, merit, due dleasach [dlesəx] = deserving, meriting dleasadh [dlesəɣ] = (act of) deserving, meriting dleasannas [dlesən̪ˠəs] = obligation, duty dleasanta [dlesən̪ˠdə] = deserving, meriting dleasnach [dlesn̪ˠəx] = dutiful dleastanas [dlesdənəs] = obligation, duty
Manx (Gaelg)	toill = to deserve, will toillchin = to deserve, earn, merit, reward; derserving, worthy toillchinagh = deserving, meritorious toillchinys = desert, merit toillchyn = to deserve, merit toilliu = to deserve, earn, merit; deserving, worthy
Proto-Brythonic	*dɨlɣɨd = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	deleu, dyly, dylu = to be obliged to, ought, be indebted, behove, owe, be in debt, have a right to, claim, merit, deserve, posses, claim from
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dylu [ˈklɛðɨ̞v/ˈkleːðɪv] = to be obliged to, ought, be indebted, behove, owe, be in debt, have a right to, claim, merit, deserve, posses, claim from (other forms include: dylaf, dylÿaf, dlyaf, dylÿu, dlyu, dleu, deleu)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dely, dylly = to owe, deserve
Cornish (Kernewek)	tyli = to owe, pay, reward tylva = checkout, till
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dleout = must
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dleout [ˈdleː.ut] = to have to, must, owe dleañ = to have to, must, owe; judicious

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dʰlégʰ-ti/*dʰl̥gʰ-énti, from *dʰlegʰ- (to beat, strike) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots possibly include dolog (thing, object, affair, business, task, fate) in Hungarian, dług (debt, account payable) in Polish, долг (dolg – debt, duty, obligation) in Russian, and dlh (debt) in Slovak [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dligetom = duty, debt
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dliged, dligeth [ˈdʲlʲiɣʲeð] = law, principle, rule, theory, dictum dlecht = lawful dligthech = lawful, right
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dliged, dligeth, dleged = law, principle, rule, norm, dictum, reason, argument, reckoning, nature, condition, kind, manner dligedach = lawful dligemnas = lawful right dligthech = regular, right, lawful, law-abiding, rational, reasonable, just, righteous dligthe(m)nach, dligtheanuigh = lawgiver dligtheoir = lawyer, man of law
Irish (Gaeilge)	dlí [dʲlʲiː] = law, divine precept, scientific principle, litigation dlíodóir = lawyer dlíodóireacht = practice of law, practising law dlíthí = litigant dlíthíoch = litigious dlíthíocht = litigiousness dlíthiúil = legal, juridicial, lawful, litigious dlíthiúilacht = legality, lawfulness dleacht = due, lawful right, royalty, patent dleathach = lawful, legal, valud, genuine, just, proper dleathaíocht = legality, justice, propriety
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dlighe [dli.ə] = ordinance (in law), due dligheach [dli.əx] = lawful, legitimatem rightful, right, due, dutiful, just dligheachas [dli.əxəs] = lawful right, jurisdiction, validity dligheachd [dli.əxg] = legality, royalty (payment) dligheadh [dli.əɣ] = (act of) owing, being due, stipend dlighear [dli.ər] = lawyer, creditor dligheil [dli.al] = legitimate, lawful, rightful
Proto-Brythonic	*dlɨɣed = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	delehet, deleed, dylyet, dlyet, dylet = debt, due, claim, right, demand, oblitation, duty dylyedawc, dylyedauc, dylyedaỽc dyledawg = noble, privileged, dignified, illustrious, rightful dyledogaeth, dlyedogaeth = nobility, lordship, proprietorship dylyedus, dyledus = due, proper, meet, lawful, worthy, just, necessary, requisite, owing, in debt, indebted dyledwr = debtor, defaulter, trespasser
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dyled [ˈdəlɛd] = debt, due, claim, right, demand, oblitation, duty, service, heritage, estate, worth, privilege, sins, transgressions, trespasses [also written dylêd, dled, dylyed, dlyed] dyled(i)ach = trifling debts, dribbling debts dyledu = to owe, be due, debit, make due dyledog = indebted, in debt, due, noble, privileged, dignified, illustrious, debtor dyl(y)edus = due, proper, meet, lawful, worthy, just, necessary, requisite, owing, in debt, indebted, noble, privileged, dignified, reasonable, sensible, understanding dyledwr = debtor, defaulter, trespasser
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dle = due, owing dleat = moral duty, tax
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dle = due, owing, debt dlead = moral duty, tax dleatour = debtor dleapl = liable dleoniezh = ethics d(e)leour = debtor, creditor

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *dligeti (to owe, be indebted to) – see above [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ká(g)ni- = tribute, law
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáin [kaːnʲ] = law, regulation, rule, fine, tax, tribute, legal due
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cáin, cain = law, regulation, rule, fine, tax, tribute
Irish (Gaeilge)	cáin [kɑːnʲ/kaːnʲ] = law, regulation, rule, due, tribute, fine, penalty, impost, tax cáinaisnéis = budget cáinaisnéiseach = budgetary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	càin [kaːn̪ʲ] = duty, tariff, tribute, fine; body of laws (archaic) càin-aisneis = budget càineach, càinear, càiniche = tax/excise collector, tax gatherer càineachadh [kaːn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) imposing a tax

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *keh₂/₃ǵ-n- [source]. Words from the same root may include kázeň (discipline) in Czech, kaźń (execution, torture, torment) in Polish, and kázeň (sermon, discipline) in Slovak [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cís = tax, tribute
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cís, cis, cíos = tax, tribute, cess, rent císach = receiving or exacting tribute císaige = tributary, rent-payer císugud = paying tribute
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíos [ciːsˠ] = rent, price; tax tribute (historical) cíosach = rent-paying, tributary cíosaí = rent-payer cíosaigh = to rent, pay rent for, compensate for cíoscháin = tribute cíoscheannach = hire-purchase
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìos [kʲiəs] = tribute, tax cìs [kʲiːʃ] = tax, levy cìsachadh [kʲiːʃəxəɣ] = taxing, taxation cìsachas [kʲiːʃəxəs] = taxation cìseadair [kʲiːʃədɪrʲ] = exciseman cìsear [kʲiːʃər] = tax/excise collector, tax gatherer
Manx (Gaelg)	keesh = custom, duty, tax, toll, tribute, contribution keeshagh = assessable, taxable, tributary keeshyn = taxation, taxes, tribute, dues

Etymology: from Latin cēnsus (census, register, rich gifts, presents, wealth), from cēnseō from Proto-Italic *kensēō (to give an opinion), from *kensējō, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱenséh₁-ye-ti, from *ḱens- (to announce, proclaim, put in order). Words from the same roots may include census in English, censo (census, wealth) in Italian, Zins (interest, tribute) in German, and czynsz (rent) in Polish [source].

Proto-Celtic	rextus = rule, law kom-rextus = law (?)
Celtiberian	Retukeno = personal name
Gaulish	Rextugenos = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	recht, rect [r͈ʲext] = law rechtach = law-giving rechtaid = lawgiver rechtaide = legal rechtaigid = to legislate rechtaire = steward rechtas = stewardship rechtge = government rechtmar = lawful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	recht, rect, reacht = law, authority, rule, right, lawfulness rechtach = just, equitable, law-giving rechtaid, rechtaidh = judge, lawgiver rechtaide = legal, pertaining to the law, lawful rechtaigid = to legislate rechtaire, rechtorairge = steward, baliff, administrator, judge (?) rechtas, rechtus, rechtcus = authority, administration, stewardship rechtge, rechtga = government, authority, rule, regin rechtmar = lawful, legitimate
Irish (Gaeilge)	reacht [ɾˠaxt̪ˠ] = law, statute, accepted rule reachtach = law-giving, legislative reachtaigh = to legislate, enact, decree reachtaíocht = legislation reachtaire = controller, administrator, steward, Rector, auditor, master of ceremonies reachtas = administration, stewardship reachtmhar = lawful, legitimate reachtóir = lawgiver, legislator reachtúil = statutory, statute
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reachd [r̪ˠɛxg] = decree, statue, edict reachdach [r̪ˠɛxgəx] = compulsory reachdachadh [r̪ˠɛxgəxəɣ] = (act of) legislating, law-making, legislature reachdadair [r̪ˠɛxgədɪrʲ] = lawmaker, legislator reachdadaireachd [r̪ˠɛxgədɪrʲəxg] = legislature reachdail [r̪ˠɛxgdal] = legislative, statutory reachdas [r̪ˠɛxgəs] = legislation
Proto-Brythonic	rreiθ = rule, law kuβ̃reiθ = law (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	reyth, reith, rhaith = law, rule, decree, rightness, justice, right (to smth), recompense, atonement, judgement, verdict cyfreith, kiureith, kefreyth [ˈkəvrai̯θ] = law, rule, decree, rightness, justice, right (to smth), recompense, atonement, judgement, verdict
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhaith [r̥ai̯θ] = law, rule, decree, rightness, justice, right (to smth), recompense, atonement, judgement, verdict rhaithgor = jury cyfraith [ˈkəvrai̯θ] = law, legislation, statute, custom, usage, jurisprudence
Cornish (Kernewek)	reyth = regular, right, religious law reythennek, reythednek = statutory reythen = statute reythe = to authorise, codify, empower, entitle, qualify reythes = authorised, empowered, enacted, entitled, qualified reythyans = enactment, jurispridence, lawmaking, legislation
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	reith = law
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rez, reiz = law rezder = law
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reizh = right, just, correct, order, normal reizhad = regular reizhadenn = rectification, corrected reizhadur = adjustment reizhan = to correct, adapt, regular, initiate reizhded = correctness, rectitude, normality reizhder = regularity reizhegezh = legitimacy reizhek = legitimate reizhekaat = to legitimize reizhennan = to regulate reizhus = legal

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃reǵ- (to straighten, to righten) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include rail, rank, realm, regime, rule and regulation in English, rę́žti (to stretch) in Lithuanian, règle (rule, regulation) in French, and regla (rule, ruler) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ríagal, ríagul = rule
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ríagal, riagoil, riaguil = rule, authority
Irish (Gaeilge)	riail [ɾˠiəlʲ] = rule, regulation, principle, sway, authority, order rialachán = regulation rialúchán = regulation, control
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	riaghail [r̪ˠiə.al] = rule, govern, administer riaghailt [r̪ˠiə.əldʲ] = rule, regulation, government riaghailteach [r̪ˠiə.əl̪ˠdʲəx] = regular, according to rule, orderly riaghailteachadh [r̪ˠiə.aldʲəxəɣ] = (act of) formulating, regulating, adjusting, adjustment riaghailteachas [r̪ˠiə.aldʲəxəs] = regulatory riaghailteachd = regularity, moderation riaghailtear [r̪ˠiə.aldʲər] = regulator riaghailtearachd [r̪ˠiə.aldʲərəxg] = administration riaghal [r̪ˠiə.əl̪ˠ] = rule
Manx (Gaelg)	reill = code, dominion, governance, policy, principle, reign; to charge, govern, order, regulate, rule reilley = to regulate, reign, rule; ruling reilleyder = governor, regulator, ruler, straight edge reilt = normal, to rule reiltagh = director, ordinal, president, rector, ruler; decisive, ruling, regular reiltys = governance, rule, kingdom, dominion, government
Proto-Brythonic	*rreɣol = rule (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ryol, reol, rhwol = rule, regulation, procedure, order, custom, pattern, government, dominion rhyolaeth, reolaeth = rule, control, management, authority, discipline rwyoli, reoli, ryoli, rhywoli = to rule, control, direct, govern roliad = rule, control, government ryolus, reolus, rheolus, rreolys = regular, orderly, disciplined, moderate, consant
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rheol [ˈr̥eː.ɔl] = rule, regulation, procedure, order, custom, pattern, government, dominion rheol(i)aeth = rule, control, management, authority, discipline rheoli = to rule, control, direct, govern rheolaidd = regular, regulated, orderly rheoliad = rule, control, government rheolus = regular, orderly, disciplined, moderate, consant
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	reol, rowl, rovle = rule, government rowler = ruler, governor
Cornish (Kernewek)	rewl, rowl = regulation, rule rewlya, rowlya = to control, regulate, rule rewlyades, rowlyades = ruler (f) rewlyas, rowlyas = ruler (m) rewlys = regular
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	regul = rule, regulation
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reul, reol, reoll = rule, regulation reulenn = rule reulennaff = to regulate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reol = rule, principle, regime reolennadur = regulation reolennan = to regulate reoliadur = regulation reoliata = to regulate reoliek = regular reolius = regulatory

Etymology: from Latin rēgula (rule, bar, ruler), from regō (I rule, govern, direct, guide, steer, control), from Proto-Italic *regō, from Proto-Indo-European *h₃réǵeti (to be straightening, to be setting upright), from *h₃reǵ- (to straighten, to righten) – see above [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lagh [l̪ˠɤɣ] = law laghachd [l̪ˠɤɣəxg] = legislation laghadh [l̪ˠɤɣəɣ] = legalising, legalisation laghaiche [l̪ˠɤɣɪçə] = lawyer, solicitor laghaichte [l̪ˠɤɣɪçdʲə] = legalised laghail [l̪ˠɤɣal] = legal, lawful, litigious, argumentative laghaileachd [l̪ˠɤɣaləxg] = lawfulness, legality
Manx (Gaelg)	leigh = enactment, law, respect leighagh = legal, litigious leighder = lawyer, advocate, attorney, barrister, council leighoil = lawful, legal, legislative, legitimate

Etymology: from English law, or Middle English lawe/laȝe (law, regulation, morality), or Old English lagu (law, rule, right), all of which come from Old Norse lǫg (law, rule, right), from Proto-Germanic *lagą (situation, law, a settled amount), from Proto-Indo-European *legʰ- (to lie [down]). The English words lie and lay come from the same roots [source].

Counting Numbers

7th November 2024 By Simon

Words for number, to count and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*rīmā = number
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rím [r͈ʲiːβ̃] = counting, enumerating, number, telling, relating, metrics rímid [ˈr͈ʲiːβ̃ɨðʲ] = to count, reckon, estimate, impute, compose, recount, relate
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rím = counting, enumerating, number, telling, relating rímid, rímaid = to count, reckon, estimate, recount, relate, compose
Irish (Gaeilge)	ríomh [ɾˠiːvˠ/ɾˠiːw] = enumeration, calculation, computation, narration ríomhaire = counter, enumerator, calculator, computer ríomhaireacht = counting, enumeration, calculation, computation ríomhchláraitheoir = computer programmer ríomheolaíocht = computer science
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìomh† = reckoning, numbering, computation rìmh† = number, to reckon, compute
Proto-Brythonic	*rriβ̃ = number
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rif, yrif, rhif = sum, number, etc rhifo, riuaw, riuaỽ = to count rifed, riued, ryved = number, many, abundance
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhif [r̥iːv] = the sum, number, as many or numerous (as), a (great) many, crowd, host, multitude, large amount, worth, esteem, honour, praise, figure, digit, numeral, count, reckoning, measure rhifadwy = countable, numerable rhif(i)o = to count, number, amount to, enumerate, list, recount, enlist, muster rhifed = number, many, abundance
Cornish (Kernewek)	riv = number riva = to number riven = digit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	riñv = number

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂rey- (to count, reason, think) [source]. Words from the same root include arithmetic, rhyme, rite, ritual and ready in Englsh, reic (to sell in Irish, řádný (regular) in Czech, and rinda (row, line, queue) in Latvian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*adrīmā = counting, number, reckoning
Old Irish (Goídelc)	áirem = number, numeral, quantity. amount, sum, reckoning, repute, account
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	áirem, áram, arim, ārem = counting, reckoning, estimating, number, numeral, amount, sum comáirem, comairem, comairemh = reckoning, calculating, computation
Irish (Gaeilge)	áireamh = enumeration, census, arithmetric, number, portion comhair = to count, calculate comhaireamh = to count, calculation, reckoning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àireamh [aːrʲəv] = number, sum, tally, computation, counting, enumerating; count, enumerate àireamhach [aːrʲəvəx] = numeral, arithmetician àireamhachadh [aːrʲəvəxəɣ] = numbering, enumerating, enumeration, calculating, computing, calculation, computation àireamhail [aːrʲəvəxal] = arithmetical àireamhachas [aːrʲəvəxəs] = numeracy àireamhair [aːrʲəvɛrʲ] = calculator (tool), arithmetician
Manx (Gaelg)	earroo = number, sum, figure, census, statistics, tell co-earroo = calculation, computation, counting, telling, to compute, count earrooaghey = number(ing) co-earrooaghey = to calculate, calculating, numbering
Proto-Brythonic	*ėðriβ̃ = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eryryw, eiryf, eirif = number, amount, sum, account, reckoning
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eirif = number, amount, a large number, many, sum, account, reckoning
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	eirimotor = (?)

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *rīmā (number) – see above [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	uimir = number
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	(n)uimir = number
Irish (Gaeilge)	uimhir [ˈɪvʲəɾʲ / ˈɨ̞̃vʲəɾʲ] = number, count, aggregate uimhreoir = numerator uimhrigh = to number, figure uimhríocht = arithmetic uimhríochtúil = arithmetical uimhriú = numbering, numeration, figuring uimhriúil = numerical, numeral
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uimhir [ɯvɪrʲ] = quantity, amount, number, so/as much/many fuimhir [fɯvɪrʲ] = quantity, number uimhireach [ɯvɪrʲəx] = numerous uimhireach [ɯvɪrʲɪç] = arithmetician
Proto-Brythonic	*niβ̃er = number
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nimer = number
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	niuer, niver, nifer = number host, company, retinue, troop, crowd nifery = to number, enumerate, count niveredic = counted, numbered niferawg, niuerawc, nigerog, niverog = numerous, abundant, having hosts, troops, retinues, etc nifeiriawl, niferawl, niueiriawl = numerous, abundant, numerical kyfnifer, kyfniuer = as many, equal number, even number, a great many, large number, host
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nifer [ˈnɪvɛr] = number, host, company, retinue, troop, crowd niferu, nifeirio = to number, enumerate, count niferedig = counted, numbered niferadol = numerical, pertaining to a census nifer(i)og = numerous, abundant, having hosts, troops, retinues, etc nifer(i)ol = numerous, abundant, numerical cyfnifer = as many, equal number, even number, a great many, large number, host
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	never, niver = number nevera, nivera, nyfyrys = to number, count, reckon cyniver, cynyver, cenifer, cenyver, ceniver = so many, as many as, every, every one
Cornish (Kernewek)	niver = number nivera = to count, number niverek = numerical niverell = counter, counting device niveren = numeral niverenans, niverednans = numbering niveronieth = arithmetic niverus = numerous niveryans = census, count keniver = as many, everyone, so many
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nimer = number
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	niuer, nyuer = number niueraff = to enumerate, number
Breton (Brezhoneg)	niver [ˈniː.vɛr] = number niveradeg = census niveradur = ennumeration niverenn [ni.ˈveː.rɛn] = number niverennañ = to number niverer = numerator nivererezh = numbering niveridigezh = enumeration, census niveriñ [niˈveːrĩ] = to enumerate, number niveroniezh [ˌni.ve.rɔ̃.ˈniː.ɛs] = arithmetic niverus [ni.ˈveː.rus] = numerous

Etymology: from Latin numerus (number, collection, quantity, time, rhythm) [source], from Proto-Italic *nomezos, from PIE *nem- (to distribute give, take). Words from the same root economic, numb and number, numeral in English, nemen (to take, grasp, grab) in Dutch, nehmen (to take, hold, grasp), and número (number) in Spanish [source].

Drills & Augers

2nd August 20243rd August 2024 By Simon

Words for augur and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*taratrom = auger
Gaulish	taratron = auger
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tarathar = auger
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tarathar = auger
Irish (Gaeilge)	tarathar = auger tarathraigh = to bore with an auger
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tora [tɔrə] = auger, gimble, gimlet torach [tɔrəx] = pertaining to or abounding in augers / gimbles / gimlets torachair [tɔrəxɪrʲ] = auger, gimble, gimlet torachan [tɔrəxan] = small auger / gimble tarachair† = gimlet, auger
Manx (Gaelg)	tarrar = drill tarrarey = to drill, drilling
Proto-Brythonic	*taradr [taˈradr̩] = auger, borer, drill
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	tarater = auger, drill, borer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tarader, taradyr, taradr = auger, drill, borer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taradr [ˈtaradr] = auger, drill, borer, awl, gimlet, trepan taradru = to bore with an auger, drill, pierce tarad(r) y coed = woodpecker
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tardar, tarad = auger, borer, whimble tardha, tardhe = to pervade, break out, emanate, penetrate, bore, pierce
Cornish (Kernewek)	tarder = drill tardra = to bore, drill, tap
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tarazr, talazr = auger
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tarar [ˈtɑː.rar] = augur, chignole (a hand drill), shipworm (mollusk) tararer [ta.ʁa.ʁe] = to pass a cereal through a sieve tarzhañ = to burst, break, hatch, pierce, emerge, die (of thirst), warp

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *térh₁trom (tool for drilling), from *terh₁- (to rub, turn, drill, pierce) [source].

Words from the same Celtic roots, via Gaulish taratron (auger) and Late Latin taratrum, possibly include taraire in Occitan, taradre (to bore) in Catalan, trade (auger) in Galician, taladro (drill) in Spanish, tarière (auger) in French, tarader (drill) in Romansch [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include thread, thresh, trout and throw in English, settentrione (north) in Italian, třít (to rub) in Czech, and drehen (to turn) in German [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	druil = drill druilchéachta = drill-plough druileáil = drilling, to drill druileálaí = drill-maker, drill-master druilire láimhe = hand-drill
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dril(e) [dril(ə)] = drill dril(g)eadh [driləɣ] = drilling, drill plaosgach [pl̪ˠɯːsgəx] = shelled, husky, shelly
Manx (Gaelg)	drillal = to drill drilley = drill drilleyder = drill
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drill = drill dril, drul, trul = drill, small furrow, machine for sowing seed in drills drillio = to drill, bore, subject to discipline

Etymology: from English drill, from drillen (to bore, move in a circle in Middle Dutch, from Old Dutch *thrillen, from Proto-Germanic *þriljaną, from Proto-Indo-European *ter- (through, over) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include thrill in English and drillen (to drill, domineer) in Dutch [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

Central Hearts

20th March 2024 By Simon

Words for heart, core, centre and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kridyom = heart, centre, focus, love, dear one, valour
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cride [ˈkʲrʲiðʲe] = heart,
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cride = heart, centre, middle part, focus, affection, love, dear one, valour cridecán = little heart, heartlet (term of endearment) cridech = stout-headed cridechair = benign, kind, beloved cridemail = hearty, courageous, kind cridén = dear one, heartlet (term of endearment) cridenas = heart-trembling, fright and terror cridiscél = moving tale, special wish, darling
Irish (Gaeilge)	croí [kɾˠiː] = heart croíán = gallant, playboy croíbhriseadh = heart-break croíbhriste = heart-broken, heart-breaking croíbhrú = contrition croídín = cuddle, little darling croíléis = light-heartedness, merriment, sport croíléiseach = light-hearted, merry, sportive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cridhe [krʲi.ə] = heart, courage, centre, middle cridheachan [krʲi.əxan] = small heart, chest brooch cridhealas [krʲi.əl̪ˠəs] = cheerfulness, hilarity, gaiety,jollity cridhean [krʲi.an] = small heart, gallant cridheil [krʲi.al] = cheerful, hearty, jolly cridhe briste = broken heart, broken spirit cridhe-leòn = heartache cridhe teòma = a tender heart
Manx (Gaelg)	cree [kriː] = heart, hub, core, centre creeoil = cheerful, hearty, inspiring, courage cree brisht = bleeding heart, heartbroken cree cloaie = hardhearted, stony, heart y chree = dearest, my heart, my sweetheart
Proto-Brythonic	*krėð = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	craidd = centre, middle, heart
Welsh (Cymraeg)	craidd [krai̯ð] = centre, middle, heart, kernel, essence craidd disgyrchiad, craidd disgyrchiant = centre of gravity pwnc craidd = core subject
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cres, crês, creys = middle, centre, midst, heart
Cornish (Kernewek)	kres = centre, middle, waist kresnna, kresedna = to centralise kresek = average, medium kresel = central kresen = centre kresfoesik = centrifugal kreshwilus = centripetal kresosel = medieval kresvorek = Mediterranean
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	creis, creiz, crais = centre, middle creisen = centre, central craisnos, crei-nos, creiss-noss = midnight, north
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kreiz [ˈkrɛjs] = centre, middle kreiznoz = midnight, north kreisteiz [krɛjs.ˈtɛjs] = noon, south kreizenn [ˈkrɛj.zɛn] = centre, central kreizennañ [krɛjˈzɛ.nːã] = centraliser kreiz-kêr [krɛjsˈkɛːr] = town/city centre

Etymology: from PIE *ḱr̥d- from *ḱḗr (heart) [source]. Words from the same roots include heart and cardiac in English, cor (heart) in Spanish, srdce (heart) in Czech and sirds (heart) in Latvian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kalwond- = heart
Proto-Brythonic	*kalwon = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	callon, kallon = heart, bosom, breast gallondit, kalondit = courage, bravery, fortitude kallonni = to hearten, encourage, comfort callonnyawc, callonawc, calonnawg, kylonog = valiant, courageous
Welsh (Cymraeg)	calon [ˈkalɔn] = heart, bosom, breast, womb matrix, belly, entrails, centre, pith, core, essence, spirit, thought, intent, courage, confidence calondid = courage, bravery, fortitude, magnanimity, willingness, generosity, gentleness, mercy calonnaf, calonni = to hearten, encourage, comfort calonnog = valiant, courageous, plucky, hearty, willing, ready, enthusiastic, sincere, genuine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	calon = heart
Cornish (Kernewek)	kolon = heart kolonekter = courage, valour kolonnek, kolodnek = brave, cordial, courageous, fearless, hearty, kindly, genuine, sincere, truthful kolonnen = core
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	calon = heart
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kalon [ˈkɑː.lɔ̃n] = heart, soul, courage, chest, stomach, kindness kalonad = heartache kaloneg = cordial, courageous, warm, valiant kalonegezh [ka.lɔ̃.ˈnɛː.ɡɛs] = cordiality, courage, encouragement kalonek [ka.ˈlɔ̃ː.nɛk] = courageous, cordial, warm kalonekaat [ka.lɔ̃.ne.ˈkɑːt] = to encourage kalonenn = core, centre kalonour [kaˈlɔ̃ː.nur] = cardiologist kalonus = fortifying

Etymology: unknown, possibly related to colwedd (breast, heart) and/or coludd (bowels, intestines, guts) in Welsh [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

Colourful Hues

11th March 202413th May 2024 By Simon

Words for colour, hue, pigment and related colours in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*līwos = colour
Gaulish	*lios = colour
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lí [ˈtane] = lustre, beauty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lí, li = beauty, lustre, glory, complexion, slendour, appearance, pallor
Irish (Gaeilge)	lí [l̠ʲiː] = colour, complexion, lustre, sheen, pigment(ation) líú = (act of) colouring, painting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lì [l̪ʲiː] = paint, colour, tinge, hue, complexion, properity, happiness lìth [l̪ʲiː] = lustre, gloss, splendour, complexion, hue lìtheach [l̪ʲiː] = greasy, slimy,slippery
Manx (Gaelg)	lhee = pigment, pigmentation
Proto-Brythonic	*lliw = colour
Old Welsh	liu = colour, hue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llyu, lliw, lliỽ, llyw = colour,hue lliwyav, lliwaw = to colour, paint, dye lliỽyd, lliwyd = dyer, colourer, painter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lliw [ɬɪu̯] = colour, hue, tint, complexion, countenance, colouring lliwddall = colourbind lliwgar = colourful, vivid, beautiful, handsome lliw(i)af, lliw(i)o = to colour, tinge, paint, dye lliw(i)og = coloured, tinted, dyed, painted lliwydd = dyer, colourer, painter
Old Cornish	liu = colour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	liu, lyw = colour, dye, hue liue = to colour, paint liuor = painter, dyer
Cornish (Kernewek)	liw = colour,dye, paint liwa = to colour, dye, paint liwans = painting liwus = colourful liwayans = painting, picture liways = coloured, dye
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	liu = colour, ink, dyed
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	liu, liou = colour, ink, dyed liuaff = to colour, dye, paint
Breton (Brezhoneg)	liv [liw] = colour, ink, paint, dyed livañ [ˈliː.vã] = to colour, dye, paint, depict livek [ˈliːvek] = coloured liver, livour [ˈliː.vɛr/ˈli.wːər] = painter, colourist livus [ˈliːvys] = dye, picturesque

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *slih₂-wó-s from *(s)leh₃y- (blueish, plum-coloured) and *-wós (creates adjectives from verb stems) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include livid, lurid and sloe in English, slíva (plum) in Czech, and possibly lloer (moon) in Welsh, loor (moon) in Cornish and loar (moon) in Breton [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dath [daθ] = colour, dye
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dath = colour, dye, hue, tint, complexion dathach = coloured dathaid, daithaigid = colours, dyes, stains dathamail = coloured, fine, handsome, beautiful, comely, graceful dathugud = colouring, dyeing, painting
Irish (Gaeilge)	dath [d̪ˠax/d̪ˠɑh/d̪ˠah] = colour, dye dathach = coloured dathadóir = colourist, dyer, painter, exaggerator, fictionist dathadóireacht = (act of) dyeing, painting dathaigh = to colour,dye, paint dathannach = multi-coloured, gaily-coloured, colourful, glowing dathdhall = colour-blind
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dath [dah] = colour, colouring, dye, pigment, dying, hue, tint, staining, suit (of cards) dathach [dahəx] = coloured, colourful dathachadh [dahəxəɣ] = colourising, dyeing, staining dathadair [dahədɪrʲ] = dyer, colourist dathail [dahal] = colourful dathte [dahdʲə] = coloured
Manx (Gaelg)	daah = colour, dye, hue, paint, pigment, singe, stain, tincture daahagh = coloured, stainable daahder = colourer, colourist, dyer, exaggerator, painter daahit = coloured, dyed, painted, pigmented, stained daahoil = colourful, picturesque, well-coloured

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gné = appearance, form, kind, sort, species
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gné = kind, species, appearance, form, way, manner
Irish (Gaeilge)	gné [ɟnʲeː/ɟɾʲeː] = species, kind, form, appearance gnéitheach = specific, of good appearance gnétheacht = specificity gnéthigh = to regain appearance, mend
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnè [grʲɛ̃ː] = sex, gender, genre, kind, sort, temper, disposition, genus, species gnè-fhàs [grɛ͂ː aːs] = evolution gnè-eòlas = typology
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gne = colour, tint, hue, sight, aspect gorne = colour, hue, tint
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gne = colour, tint, hue, sight, aspect agne = colour, tincture gorne = colour, hue, tint, tincture, blush, brightness, appearance, aspect

Etymology: from PIE *ǵenh₁- (to produce, beget, give birth) [source]. Words from the same roots include gender, general, generate, genius and germ in English [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Czech (čeština)

Sticky Glue

Crested Combs

Nests

Coughing

Abbots

Dutiful Laws

Counting Numbers

Drills & Augers

Central Hearts

Colourful Hues