Birds and Larks

6th June 20206th June 2020 By Simon

Words for bird and (sky)lark in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸetnos = bird
Gaulish	Etnosus = bird(?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	én [eːn] = bird
Irish (Gaeilge)	éan [eːnˠ] = bird, young bird, chick
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eun [ian] = bird, fowl, chicken
Manx (Gaelg)	eean [jiːən] = chick, fowl, young (of birds); juvenile, cheeky child, brat
Proto-Brythonic	edn = bird
Old Welsh	atar = birds
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	edn [ˈɛdn] = bird
Welsh (Cymraeg)	edn [ˈɛdn] = bird, fowl, fly, bee adar [ˈadar] = birds aderyn [aˈdɛrɨ̞n / aˈdeːrɪn] = bird
Old Cornish	hethen = bird
Cornish (Kernewek)	edhen = bird
Middle Breton	ezn = bird
Breton (Brezhoneg)	evn = bird

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *péth₂r̥ (wind, feather), which is also the root of the English word feather [source].

Breton (Brezhoneg)	labous = bird

Etymology: unknown

Old Irish (Goídelc)	uiseóc = lark
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	(f)uiseóg = lark, skylark
Irish (Gaeilge)	fuiseog = lark, skylark
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uiseag [ɯʃag] = lark, skylark
Manx (Gaelg)	ushag [ˈoʒaɡ] = bird, shuttlecock

Etymology: unknown

Proto-Celtic	*alaudā = bird
Gaulish	*alauda [ˈa.lau.daː] = skylark

Etymology: unknown. Also the root of the Latin alauda (lark, skylark), and words for (sky)lark in Romance languages, such as the French alouette, the Spanish alondra and the Italian allodola [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	ehedydd [ɛˈhɛdɨ̞ð / ɛˈheːdɪð] = lark, skylark; flier, one that flies, bird or fowl
Old Cornish	evidit = lark, skylark
Middle Breton	ehuedez = lark, skylark

Etymology (Welsh): from ehedeg (to fly) and -ydd (-er) [source].

Cornish (Kernewek)	ahwesydh = lark, skylark
Breton (Brezhoneg)	alc’hweder = lark, skylark

Etymology: unknown

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old-Irish Glossary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Ants

16th May 202021st March 2024 By Simon

Words for ant and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sengán = ant
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sengán, seangan = ant
Irish (Gaeilge)	seangán = ant seangánach = full of ants nead seangán = anthill
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seangan [ʃɛŋgan] = ant, mean fellow seangan ‘nad bhriogais = to be fidgety, have the jtters (ants in your breeches) seangananach [ʃɛŋganəx] = pertaining to or abounding in small ants
Manx (Gaelg)	sniengan = ant snienganagh = ant-infested, formic crongan sniengan = anthill

Etymology: possibly from the Old Irish seng (thin, slender. meagre) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*morwis = ant
Old Irish (Goídelc)	moirb [morʲvʲ] = ant
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	moirb = ant
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	myr = ant myrion = ants morgrug, morcrug = ants morgrugyn, morcrugyon = ant
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mŷr, myrr [mɨːr/miːr] = ant myrion = ants myrdwyn = anthill morgrug [ˈmɔrɡrɨ̞ɡ / ˈmɔrɡrɪɡ] = ants (from mŷr [ant] and crug [hill]) morgrugyn = ant morgrugaidd, morgrugol = ant-like pertaining to ants, formic
Old Cornish	menƿionen = ant
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	menwionen, meuwionen = ant, emmet
Cornish (Kernewek)	moryonen = ant, tourists moryoner = anteater
Old Breton	moriuon = ant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	meryen = ant
Breton (Brezhoneg)	merien [ˈmɛr.jɛn] = ants merionenn = ant merionaer = anteater merieneg [mɛ.ˈrjẽː.nɛk] = anthill

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *morwi- (ant). Words from the same roots include formic (pertaining to ants) and pismire (ant – archaic) in English, fourmi (ant) in French, mier (ant) in Dutch, maur (ant) in Icelandic and myra (ant) in Swedish [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

Snakes

6th May 202014th June 2022 By Simon

Words for snake in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*natrixs = snake
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nathir [ˈnaθirʲ] = snake
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nathir = snake
Irish (Gaeilge)	nathair [ˈn̪ˠæhəɾʲ] = snake
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nathair [n̪ˠahɪrʲ] = snake, serpent, viper, adder
Manx (Gaelg)	aarnieu / ardnieu = adder, serpent, snake, viper
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nadret, nadred, neidyr = snake, serpent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	neidr [nei̯dr / ˈnei̯dɪr] = snake, serpent
Old Cornish	nadar = snake
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nader = snake, viper, adder
Cornish (Kernewek)	nader = adder
Old Breton	natrolion = snakes
Middle Breton	nazr, azr, aër, aer = snake
Breton (Brezhoneg)	naer = snake

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)neh₁tr- (adder), or from *(s)neh₂- (to swim) [source].

The English word snake comes from a different root: the Old English snaca (snake, serpent, reptile), from the Proto-Germanic *snakô (snake), from *snakaną (to crawl), from the Proto-Indo-European *sneg- (to crawl; a creeping thing) [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwiber = viper, adder, poisonous snake, water-snake, mythical flying serpent, the devil, scoundrel, scold, venomous woman colwiber snake, serpent, viper
Breton (Brezhoneg)	wiber = viper

Etymology: from the Latin vīpera (viper), possibly from vivus-pario (one that gives live young) [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	sarff = serpent, snake, scorpion; hero, warrior, leader, chieftain
Cornish (Kernewek)	serpont = snake, serpent sarf = serpent
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sarpant = snake, dragon, kite

Etymology: from the Latin serpēns (snake), from serpō (I creep, crawl), from the Proto-Indo-European *serp- (to creep, crawl) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Deer

7th April 20208th May 2022 By Simon

Words for deer in Celtic languages. There were several different words for deer in Proto-Celtic: *wēdus, *karwos, *ellan(t)ī-, *danī- and *yorkos, and also *sidos (stag). They may have referred to different types of deer, but it is not certain which types, apart from *yorkos, which is a roe deer.

Proto-Celtic	*wēdus [ˈweː.dus] = wild
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíad [fʲiːa̯ð] = wild animals, game, especially deer
Irish (Gaeilge)	fia [fʲiə] = deer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fiadh [fiəɣ] = deer
Manx (Gaelg)	feeaih = deer

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*karwos = deer, stag
Gaulish	caruus / carvos = deer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	carbh = deer
Irish (Gaeilge)	carria / cairrfhiadh = deer, stag
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cair-fhiadh / carbh-fheadh = hart, stag
Manx (Gaelg)	çharroo = stag
Proto-Brythonic	*karw = deer, stag
Old Welsh	*caru = deer
Middle Welsh (kymraec)	caru, carv, carw = deer, hart, stag
Welsh (Cymraeg)	carw [ˈkaru / ˈkaːru] = deer, hart, stag; lord, nobleman, patron
Old Cornish	caruu = stag
Middle Cornish	carow = stag
Cornish (Kernewek)	karow = stag
Middle Breton	caro, qaro = deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karv = deer

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱerh₂wós, from *ḱerh₂- (horn) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sidos = stag
Old Irish (Goídelc)	séd = deer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hydd = stag, hart
Breton (Brezhoneg)	heizes = roe-deer, venison, intrepid boy

Etymology: uncertain

Proto-Celtic	ellan(t)ī- / agliones = deer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ag [aɣ] = bullock, cow, ox; deer, stag
Irish (Gaeilge)	agh = cow, ox agh alla = deer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	agh [ɤɣ] = heifer, hind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eilon/eilion = stag, hart

Etymology: possible from the same root as the English word eland (a type of antelope found in South Africa), which from the Dutch eland (elk), from the Old High German elent.

Proto-Celtic	*ou̯ījkā = ?
Gaulish	cerua = ?
Old Cornish	euhic = hind, deer
Old Welsh	eguic = hind, deer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ewig = hind, doe, roe; graceful light-footed woman; deer, hart

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ówis (sheep) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*yorkos = roebuck, deer
Gaulish	iorkos = deer
Proto-Brythonic	*jorx = deer, stag
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iwrch [jʊrχ] = roe-deer, roebuck
Old Cornish	yorch = roe-deer
Cornish (Kernewek)	yorgh = roe-deer
Old Breton	iorch = roe-deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yourc’h = roe-deer, venison, intrepid boy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *york- (antelope, gazelle) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*danī- = deer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	danas = deer, fallow deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	demm = deer, fallow deer

Etymology: related to the French daim (hind, doe), from the Latin dāma (fallow deer, buck, doe) [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Pigs

30th January 202023rd June 2023 By Simon

Words for pig and related beasts in Celtic languages:

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	mokkus = pig mokk(w)yatis = swineherd
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mucc [muk] = pig, sow; a war engine: a shed to cover sappers muccaid [ˈmukiðʲ] = swineherd muccaidecht [ˈmukiðʲext] = herding swine
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	muc, mucc = pig, sow muc(c)ach = pertaining to swine muc(c)aid = swineherd muc(c)aidecht = herding swine muc(c)álach = a brood or litter of pigs muc(c)lach = piggery
Irish (Gaeilge)	muc [mˠʊk] = pig; heap, bank, drift; scowl; sow mucachán = (of person) pig, swine mucaire = slovenly worker mucaireacht = slovenly work mucais = pit sty; dirty, slovely person; hogback muicí = swineherd muicíocht = swine-herding
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muc [muxɡ] = pig, sow mucag [muxgag] = little pig, piggy, (rose)hip mucaidh = swineherd mucaireachd = swineherding, herding pigs muicfheoil [muçgʲɔl] = pork muc-mhara [muxgˈvarə] = whale muc-stigean = porpoise
Manx (Gaelg)	muc = hog, swine, pig, grunter muclagh = piggery, pigsty, sty muick = swine bochilley muickey = swineherd muc hallooin = aardvark muc varrey = whale, porpoise
Proto-Brythonic	mox = pig möxjad = swineherd
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	moch = pigs, swine mochduy = pigsty mochawg = piggish, swinish meichiat, meicheit, meichad = swineherd
Welsh (Cymraeg)	moch [moːχ] = pigs, swine, hogs; greedy, dirty, lazy, drunk, or immoral persons; small pumps used underground in coal-mines to remove water mochyn [ˈmɔχɨ̞n / ˈmoːχɪn] = pig, swine, hog mocha, mochi, mochian = to behave like a pig, wallow, grunt, defile, sully mochach = contemptible or swinish people mochaidd = swinish, filthy, dirty, vile, immoral, greedy mochdra = filthiness, dirtines mochdy = pigsty mochgig = pork, ham, bacon mochog = piggish, swinish mochwr = swineherd, pig-dealer, untidy workman meich(i)ad = swineherd
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	moch, môch = pigs mochyn = pig
Cornish (Kernewek)	mogh [mɔːx / moːʰ] = pigs, swine
Old Breton	moch = pigs, swine mochiat = swineherd
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	moch = pigs, swine
Breton (Brezhoneg)	moc’h [moːχ] = pigs, swine moc’haer = swineherd

Etymology: borrowed from a non-Indo-European substrate language. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include mocke (a slovenly woman) in Middle Dutch and moche (sow, female pig) in Middle High German [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cullach [ˈkul͈ax] = boar, stallion muccullach = boar
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cullach, colach = boar, stallion
Irish (Gaeilge)	collach [kəˈl̪ˠɑx / ˈkɔl̪ˠəx / ˈkʌl̪ˠax] = boar (male pig); male crab; crude, fleshy, person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cullach = mature male (unneutered) animal (such as boars, hogs, etc)
Manx (Gaelg)	collagh = boar, male, stallion collagh muc = boar (domestic)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceilliog = having testicles, uncastrated, entire, male
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	callouch, qalloc’h, calloc’h = entire, standard, stallion
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kalloc’h = entire

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kalljo- (testicle).

Proto-Celtic	*t(w)orkos = boar (pig)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	torc [tork] = (wild) boar, chieften, hero
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	torc = (wild) boar, chieftan, hero
Irish (Gaeilge)	torc [t̪ˠɔɾˠk / t̪ˠʌɾˠk] = (wild) boar, hog; portly, corpulent person, man of substance torcán = little, young boar; small corpulent person torc allta = wild boar torc-chú = boar hound torcshleá = boar-spear
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	torc = [tɔr̪ˠxg] = boar, hog torc-nimhe, torc-fiadhaich = wild boar
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tỽrch, twrch, tyrch = hog, (wild) boar, mole
Welsh (Cymraeg)	twrch [tʊrχ] = hog, (wild) boar, mole twrch (y) coed = woodlouse twrch daear = mole, badger tyrchu, tyrchio = to burrow, dig (up), root up, nuzzle, rummage; to catch (moles) tyrchaidd = hoglike, hoggish, swinish, greedy tyrchwr, trychydd = mole-catcher, bulldozer
Old Cornish	torch = hog
Middle Cornish (Cernewc)	torch = hog
Cornish (Kernewek)	torgh = hog, boar
Old Breton	torch = boar
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tourch = boar, ram; a debauched man
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tourc’h = boar, macho, debauched

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *twerḱ- (to cut) [source]. English words from the same PIE root include trunk, truculent and sarcasm [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sukkos = pig
Old Irish (Goídelc)	socc = pig, sow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	suic, socc, soc = snout, ploughshare
Irish (Gaeilge)	soc [sˠɔk] = sow socach = nozzled, snouted, beaked, pointed socadán = person with pointed face, nosy person, interloper, busybody
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	soc [sɔxg] = beak, snout, sockt, ploughshare, short, chubby person socach [sɔxgəx] = snouted, beaked
Manx (Gaelg)	sock = bow, nose, snout, tow; ploughshare, nozzle
Proto-Brythonic	hux = pig sux = ploughshare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hwch [huːχ] = sow, pig, swine, dirty creature
Old Cornish	hoch = pig, hog
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hoch = pig, hog hochwayu = hog-spear
Cornish (Kernewek)	hogh = hog, pig, swine hogh Gyni = Guinea pig hoghwuwa = to pigstick hoghwuwans = pig sticking
Old Breton	hoch = sow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	houch, houc’h, hoh = sow oc’hal, hoc’ha, hoc’he = to grunt, oink oc’hellât, houc’hellat = to burrow, dig hoch-goez, houch guez = wild boar oh mor, hoc’h-mor = porpoise houc’h-tourc’h = boar
Breton (Brezhoneg)	houc’h = pig (male, often neutered)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European suH- (pig, hog, swine). The English word hog was possibly borrowed into Old English from Welsh. Other words from the same Proto-Celtic root include socket in English, and soc (ploughshare) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ɸorkos = piglet
Gaulish	*orkos = pork, piglet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	orc [ork] = piglet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	orc = young pig
Irish (Gaeilge)	arc(án) = piglet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	orc [ɔr̪ˠxg] = young animal, offspring (esp. piglet or sheep); whale (archaic) orcan [ɔr̪ˠxgan] = piglet, young pig
Manx (Gaelg)	ark = young pig, piglet, sucking pig
Pictish	orc = piglet, young pig

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European pórḱos (piglet), which is also the root of the English word farrow (a litter of piglets), and the German word Ferkel (piglet) [source].

The name Orkney comes from the Old Norse Orkneyjar (seal islands), from orkn (seal) and ey (island). It is thought that Norwegian settlers reinterpreted the original Pictish tribal name element orc (piglet) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*banwos = pig
Gaulish	Banuus, Banuo = pig
Old Irish (Goídelc)	banb [ban͈v] = piglet, young pig
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	banb, bainb = young pig
Irish (Gaeilge)	banbh [ˈbˠanˠəvˠ] = piglet; Ace of Hearts
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	banb, bainb = young pig
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	banbh [banav] = young pig, piglet banbhan [banavan] = small piglet banbhradh [banavrəɣ] = herd of piglets
Manx (Gaelg)	bannoo = sucking pig, piglet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	banv = (young) pig, piglet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	banw = (young) pig, piglet, weaned pig, hog; young animal
Old Cornish	baneu = sow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	banb = sow
Cornish (Kernewek)	banow = sow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	banv = sow, pig
Breton (Brezhoneg)	banv = mother sow

Etymology: unknown – possibly from a non-Indo-European language [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*porxell = piglet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	porchell, parchell = (young) pig, piglet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	porchell [ˈpɔrχɛɬ] = sucking-pig, piglet, little pig, porker, pig, swine, hog
Old Cornish	porchel = young pig, piglet
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	porhel = young pig, piglet
Cornish (Kernewek)	porghel = young pig, piglet porghellik = piglet, sucking pig
Old Breton	porchill = piglet
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	porhell, porchell, porchel = piglet porchelles = sow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	porc’helleg = piglet

Etymology: from the Late Latin porcellus (piglet), from the Latin porcus (pig), from the Proto-Italic *porkos (pig) from the Proto-Indo-European pórḱos (piglet) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include varken (pig) in Dutch, pork in English, and porc (pig, pork) in French [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

Sheep

21st January 202028th May 2022 By Simon

Words for sheep and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*kaɸrāxs = sheep
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáera, caíra [ˈkaːi̯ra] = ox, cow
Irish (Gaeilge)	caora [ˈkeːɾˠə / ˈkiːɾˠə] = sheep, ewe
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caora [kɯːrə] = sheep, sheepish person
Manx (Gaelg)	keyrrey = sheep
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kaeriwrch = roebuck
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caer = sheep (archaic) caeriwrch / cariwrch = roebuck

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

Proto-Celtic	damos = ox, bull, domesticated animal dametos = sheep
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dam [daṽ] = ox, stag, hero, champion
Irish (Gaeilge)	damh [d̪ˠaw] = ox, stag; strong man, champion, corpulent person damh alla = stag damh comhair = one of a pair of oxen, yokefellow; equal, peer damháire = bellowing, lowing (of oxen), belling (of stag) damhán = small ox damhra = oxen, yoke of oxen; stags, herd of deer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	damh [dav] = stag (antlered, up to 4 yrs old), ox, oaf, crab missing a claw damh-féidh = hart, stag cho dall ri damh ann an ceò = as blind as a bat in daylight (“as blind as an ox in the fog”)
Manx (Gaelg)	dow = ox, hart, stag
Proto-Brythonic	*daβ̃ad = sheep
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dauat, davad = sheep
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dafad [ˈdavad/ˈdaːvad] = sheep, ewe; one who is under the charge of a spiritual pastor defaid cymorth = sheep given to a needy person to form the nucleus of a flock dafad ddu = black sheep, prodigal son, ne’er do-well of a family defaid Dafydd Jos = waves, billows (“David Jones’ sheep”) mynd yn draed defaid = to go to ruin (“to become sheep’s feet”)
Old Cornish	dauat = sheep
Cornish (Kernewek)	davas = ewe, sheep kig davas = mutton
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dañvad [ˈdãː.vat] = sheep; overly kind, gentle person; cuckold, flock; small, fluffy clouds, foamy waves dañvadez = ewe

Etymology: the Brythonic words come from *dametos, which comes from *damos. Both these words come from the Proto-Indo-European *demh₂- (to domesticate, tame) [source]. The English words tame, (in)domitable and danger come from the same PIE root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*retio- = ram
Old Irish (Goídelc)	reithe [r͈ʲeθʲe] = ram; boats used as fireships
Irish (Gaeilge)	reithe = ram
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reithe [r͈ʲe.ə] = ram, tup; Aries
Manx (Gaelg)	rea = ram, tup

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hwrd, hwrt = ram
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hwrdd = ram; a stupid person; battering ram; rammer, beater; Aries
Old Cornish	horþ = ram
Middle Cornish	hordh = ram
Cornish (Kernewek)	hordh = ram
Breton (Brezhoneg)	(h)ourz = ram

Etymology: unknown.

Proto-Celtic	moltos = ram, wether (castrated ram*)
Gaulish	*multon = sheep
Old Irish (Goídelc)	molt [mol͈t] = ram, wether
Irish (Gaeilge)	molt = wether, sulky, morose person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	molt [mul̪ˠt̪ˠ] = wether
Manx (Gaelg)	mohlt = castrated sheep, wether, mutton
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mollt = castrated ram, wether, mutton
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mollt [moːɬd / mɔɬt] = castrated ram, wether, mutton
Cornish (Kernewek)	mols = wether, sheep
Middle Breton	mout, maout = ram
Breton (Brezhoneg)	maout [ˈmɔwt] = ram, mutton; champion, trophy

Etymology: uncertain, possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *(h₂)moldus (soft, weak) [source].

The Gaulish *multon is the root of the French word mouton (sheep, mutton), via the Vulgar Latin moltō (wether), and also of the Galician word motóa (sheep), and the English word mutton [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ognos = lamb
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úan [uːa̯n] = lamb
Irish (Gaeilge)	uan = lamb
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uan [uən] = lamb
Manx (Gaelg)	eayn = lamb
Brythonic	*oɨn = lamb
Welsh (Cymraeg)	oen [oːɨ̯n / ɔi̯n] = lamb
Old Cornish	oin = lamb
Cornish (Kernewek)	oen = lamb
Breton (Brezhoneg)	oan = lamb

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂egʷnós (lamb) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

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

Horses

5th January 202010th May 2024 By Simon

Words for horse, stallion, mare, foal and related things in Celtic languages.

Note: the commonly-used words for horse in each Celtic language are: capall in Irish, each in Scottish Gaelic, cabbyl in Manx, ceffyl in Welsh, margh in Cornish, and marc’h in Breton.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kaballos, kapallos, *kappilos = horse
Gaulish	*caballos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	capall [ˈkapal͈] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	capall, capail = horse
Irish (Gaeilge)	capall ˈkapˠəl̪ˠ] = horse, mare capallach = equine capaillín = pony capall maide = wooden, vaulting horse, hobby-horse
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	capall [kahbəl̪ˠ] = mare, colt, horse, small horse capall-aibhne = hippopotamus capall-coille = capercaillie capall-mara = seahorse capallach [kahbəl̪ˠəx] = pertaining to or abounding in mares/colts capallan [kahbəl̪ˠan] = small horse, pony
Manx (Gaelg)	cabbyl = horse, mount cabbyl awin = hippopotamus cabbyl assylagh = mule
Proto-Brythonic	*kėfɨl = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keffyl, ceffyl = horse keffylyn = little horse, nag, pony cavall, cauall = horse, steed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceffyl [ˈkɛfɨ̞l / ˈkɛfɪl] = horse, nag, hobby ceffyl yr afon = hippopotamus ceffylaf, ceffylu = to put on horseback, put one to ride the high horse, extol ceffylaidd = pertaining to horses, equine, horsy ceffylan = little horse, nag ceffyles = mare ceffylyn = little horse, nag, pony cafall = horse, steed
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cevil, kevil = horse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	cefel = horse

Etymology: uncertain – related to the Late Latin caballus (horse, nag) and Ancient Greek καβάλλης (kabállēs – nag) and maybe Persian کول (kaval – second class horse of mixed blood). Possibly ultimately from PIE *kebʰ- (worn-out horse, nag). Words from the same roots include cheval (horse) in French, cavalier in English and caballo (horse) in Spanish [source].

The Breton word kefeleg (woodcock) comes from the same Proto-Brythonic root, as does kevelek (woodcock) in Cornish and cyffylog (woodcock) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*markos = horse
Galatian	*μάρκαν (márkan) = horse
Gaulish	*markos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	marc [mark] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	marc = horse
Irish (Gaeilge)	marc [mˠaɾˠk] = horse (literary / archaic) marcach = horseman, rider, jockey; cavalryman, Cavalier marcachas = horsemanship marchaigh = to ride marcaíocht = riding, horsemanship, ride drive lift
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	marc [marxk] = charger (warhorse – literary) marc-shluagh = horsemen, riders, cavalry marchach = equestrian, mounted; riding
Manx (Gaelg)	mark = horse mark-sleih = horseman markiagh = to ride, riding, cavalier, equestrian, horseman, jockey, rider markiaghey = riding markiaght = drive, equitation, horsemanship, (horse) riding, lift, rider
Proto-Brythonic	*marx = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	march = horse
Welsh (Cymraeg)	march [marχ] = horse, stallion, war-horse, steed marchaidd = pertaining to a horse, horsy, horselike, equine marchallu = horsepower marchasyn = jackass, male donkey marchdy = stable marchfeddyg = horse doctor, farrier marchfilwr = dragoon, cavalryman, cavalier, trooper marchog = horseman, rider, jockey, mounted warrior, knight
Old Cornish	march = horse
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	march = horse
Cornish (Kernewek)	margh [ˈmaɾx] = horse marghek = knight, rider margh-leska = rocking horse marghnerth = horsepower marghogeth = to ride (a horse) marghti = stable
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	marh = horse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	march = horse marcheg, marhec = horseman, rider, knight marecat = to ride (a horse) marheguez = to ride (a horse), to dominate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	marc’h [marx] = horse, easel marc’h-tan [marxˈtãː.n] = motorbike marc’heg [ˈmar.ɣɛk] = horseman, rider, knight marc’hegkaat [mar.ɣe.ˈkɑːt] = to ride (a horse) marc’hegañ = marc’hegezh [marˈɣeːɡɛs] = to ride (a horse), to dominate marc’hegiezh = chivalry, cavalry

Etymology: thought to be from the Proto-Indo-European *márkos, which is also the root of the English words mare and marshal, the French word maréchal (marshal), and related words in other languages [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ekʷos [ˈe.kʷos] = horse
Celtiberian	ekua- = horse
Gaulish	epos = horse
Primitive Irish	ᚓᚊᚐᚄ (eqas) [exʷah] = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ech [ex] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ech = horse airech = packhorse
Irish (Gaeilge)	each [ax] = horse, steed (archaic) eachach = abounding in horses eachaí = horseman, jockey, equine eachaire = horse-attendant, groom each-chumhacht = horse-power eachmharcach = horseman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	each [ɛx] = horse each-aibhne = hippopotamus each-coimhlinge = racehorse eachach [ɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in horses, horsy eachaire [ɛxɪrʲə] = equerry eachan [ɛxan] = small horse, yarnwindle eachlach [ɛxl̪ˠəx] = horse groom, jockey
Manx (Gaelg)	agh [ax] = steed, riding horse aghee = equine aghlagh, aghragh = equestrian eagh = horse, racehorse, riding horse, steed eagh marrey = sea horse eagh-veg = hobbyhorse
Early Brittonic	*epālos = foal
Proto-Brythonic	eb [ɛːb] = horse ebọl [ɛˈbɔːl] = foal
Old Welsh	eb = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ep, ebawl = colt, foal ebawluarch, ebolfarch, ebawlfarch = colt, young horse ebolyauc, eboliauc = in foal, capable of bearing a foal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ebol [ˈɛbɔl / ˈeːbɔl] = colt, foal, sucker eboles [ɛˈbɔlɛs] = filly, foal ebolaidd = coltish, frisky, playful, wanton ebolfarch = colt, young horse cyfeb = mare in foal ebolig = coltish eboliog = in foal, capable of bearing a foal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ebel = foal, colt
Cornish (Kernewek)	ebel = horse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ebol = horse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ebeul = foal, filly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ebeul [ˈe.bøl] = foal ebeulan, ebeuliañ = to foal ebeulez = filly keneb = mare in foal

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁éḱwos, which is also the root of the Latin word for horse, equus, and the English word equine, and related words in English and other languages [source]. The horse goddess, Epona, may be related as well.

Proto-Celtic	*uɸorēdos = horse
Gaulish	*werēdos = horse
Proto-Brythonic	*gworuɨð = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	goruytaur, goruit, gorwyd , gorŵydd = steed, horse gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gorwydd = steed, horse gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *uɸo- (under) and *rēdo- (to ride; riding, chariot), from Proto-Indo-European *(H)reydʰ- (to ride). Words from the same Celtic roots include palfrey (a small horse with a smooth, ambling gait), Pferd (horse) in German, and vereda (path, lane) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*(φ?)lārek- = mare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	láir = mare
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láir, lair = mare
Irish (Gaeilge)	láír [l̪ˠɑːɾʲ] = mare An Láír Bhán = the Milky Way láír bhán = hobby-horse láíreog = little mare, young mare, filly, well-built girl, woman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làir [l̪ˠaːrʲ] = mare
Manx (Gaelg)	laair = mare laaireen = small mare

Etymology: possibly from PIE *pōlH- (animal young), which is also the root of pony and foal in English, pollo (chicken) in Spanish, and poule (hen) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kanxstikā = mare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cassec, kassec = mare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caseg [ˈkasɛg] = mare
Old Cornish	casec, cassec, casac = mare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	casek = mare
Cornish (Kernewek)	kasek = mare
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	casec, casecq = mare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kazeg [ˈkɑː.zek] = mare

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱonḱ- (horse) [source]. Words from the same root possibly include henchman in English, hengst (stallion) in Dutch, and häst (horse, knight) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*stirrākos = small animal, chick
Old Irish (Goídelc)	serrach = colt, faol
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	serrach = colt, faol
Irish (Gaeilge)	searrach = colt, faol searrachúil = foal-like, lively, flighty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	searrach [ʃɛr̪ˠəx] = colt, faol, filly searrachan [ʃɛr̪ˠəxan] = little foal searrach-ruadh = buzzard
Manx (Gaelg)	sharragh = faol sharraghoil = faol-like

Etymology: from PIE *stirp- (progeny). Words from the same root possibly include estirpe (lingeage) in Spanish, and sterpo (dry twig or branch, brushwood) in Italian [source].

Wagons & Carts

30th November 201912th February 2023 By Simon

Words for wagons, carts, cars and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*karros = wagon
Gaulish	*karros = wagon
Old Irish (Goídelc)	carr = cart, wagon
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	carr = cart, waggon
Irish (Gaeilge)	carr [kɑːɾˠ / kæːɾˠ] = car carraeireacht = carting, carriage, haulage carrán = small cart carrbhealach = carriageway carrchlós = car park otharcharr = ambulance carr sleamhnáin = sledge carr róchain = swing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	càr [kar] = car, cart, raft
Manx (Gaelg)	carr = car, cab, van carr laadee = lorry, wagon carr oanluchkee = = hearse carr surranse = ambulance
Proto-Brythonic	*karr [ˈkar͈] = wagon, cart, load
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	car, kar, karr = wagon, cart
Welsh (Cymraeg)	car [kar] = vehicle, car, sled, dray; rack, stand car a cheffyl = horse-drawn carriage car caws = cheese rack car cerdded = go-cart, child’s cart car trol = cart, wagon
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	carios = cart, carriage
Cornish (Kernewek)	karr [karː / kær] = car karr bonk = dodgem karr ergh = snowmobile karr klavji = ambulance karr kreslu = police car karr slynk = sleigh karr stret = tram karr tan = motor-car kerrik = cart, carriage, buggy kerrik flogh = baby carriage
Old Breton	carr = cart
Middle Breton	karr = cart, car, coach, carriage
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karr = car, coach, carriage, trailer, vehicle karr-ar-argad = tank karr-a-dan = automobile, locomotive karr-ar-marv = hearse karr-chalbotat = lorry, truck

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱr̥sós (vehicle), from *ḱers- (to run) [source].

The Gaulish word *karros was borrowed into Latin as carrus (wagon, cart, cartload), which became carro (wagon, cart, van, lorry, truck) in Italian; carro (cart, car, bus) in Spanish; car (bus, coach) in French; car, carriage and chariot in English; and similar words in other languages [source].

Words from the same PIE root include horse in English, hors (mare, female foal, frivolous woman) in Norwegian (Nynorsk), hross (horse) in Icelandic, and currus (chariot, car, wagon) in Latin [source].

Proto-Celtic	*karbantos = (war) chariot, wagon
Gaulish	*karbanton, carbantos = chariot, wagon
Old Irish (Goídelc)	carpat [ˈkarbad] = chariot cairptech = chariot owner, chariot-fighter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	carpat = war-chariot, car, waggon carpaitniadh = chariot-fighter carpat saer/ailtire = chariot-builder
Irish (Gaeilge)	carbad [ˈkaɾˠəbˠəd̪ˠ] = chariot carbadóir = charioteer fo-charbad = undercarriage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	carbad [karabad] = chariot, coach, carriage, wagon, vehicle, bier, jaw(bone) carbadach = abounding in chariots, coaches, etc carbadachd = (act of) driving a chariot carbadair = charioteer, cab driver, coachman, teamster carbad-eich = horse carriage carbad-eiridinn = ambulance carbad-fànais = spacecraft carbad-mharbh = hearse carbad-smàlaidh = fire engine carbad-smùide = steam locomotive carbad-suain = sleeping coach
Manx (Gaelg)	carbyd = bus, coach, vehicle, bier, hearse carbyd bee = dining car, restaurant car carbyd clienney = pram, baby carriage carbyd-lheeys = ambulance carbyd-mooghee = fire engine
Proto-Brythonic	*karr [ˈkar͈] = wagon, cart, load
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kerbyt = wagon, cart
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cerbyd [ˈkɛrbɨ̞d / ˈkɛrbɪd] = car, carriage, chariot, wagon, coach; clumsy fellow, bungler cerbyd agored = open carriage, landau cerbyd cyflog = hackney-carriage, stage-coach cerbyd rhyfel = war chariot cerbydan = small carriage, chaise, gig, cab cerbydol = vehicular cerbydwr = wagoner, coachman, charioteer
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	cerpit = chariot, wagon
Old Breton	cerpit = chariot, wagon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karbed = vehicle karbed-tan = motor vehicle karr tredan = electric vehicle

Etymology: possibly related to the Proto-Celtic word *korbos (wagon, basket) [source]. The Brytonic words were borrowed from Old Irish [source].

The Gaulish word carbantos was borrowed into Latin as carpentum (carriage, chariot, wagon, cart), which became charpente (framework, structure) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	wegnos = wagon, cart wegnyā = wagon
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fén [fʲeːn] = wagon, cart
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fén = waggon, cart, conveyance of some kind
Irish (Gaeilge)	féan [fʲeːnˠ] = wagon, wain, cart
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feun [fian] = cart, wain, chariot feunair = waggoner feun-cogaidh = war chariot feun-mòine = peat cart
Manx (Gaelg)	fainagh = carriage, chariot, coach fainagh cabbil = horsedrawn coach fainagh-bee = restaurant car
Proto-Brythonic	*gweɨn = wagon, cart

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weǵʰ- (to go, transport) [source]. English words from same PIE root include wagon, weigh, way wain (a four-wheeled cart for hauling loads, usually pulled by horses or oxen), vehicle and vector [source].

There appear to be no descendents of the Proto-Brytonic word *gweɨn in the Brythonic languages, but the Welsh word certwain (cart, wagon, wain) is indirectly related. It comes from the Old English crætwǽn (chariot, wain – lit.”cart-wain”) [source], from cræt / ceart (cart, wagon, chariot), from the PIE *krattijô (basket) [source], and wæġn (wagon, carriage) [source].

Proto-Celtic	bennā, bondyo = bracelet
Gaulish	*benna = carriage
Old Irish (Goídelc)	buinne [ˈbun͈ʲe] = circlet, (arm-)ring, bracelet, wattle, wickerwork
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	buinne = circlet, (arm-)ring, bracelet, wattle, wickerwork
Irish (Gaeilge)	buinne [ˈbˠɪn̠ʲə] = course of interwoven rods, wale; hoop; ridge; welt (of shoe); flange (of vessel); band, bracelet; shroud
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	benn, ben = cart, wagon, carriage, wain benneit = cart-load, wain-load
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ben = cart, wagon bennaid = cart-load, wain-load

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰendʰ- (to bind, bond). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Latin benna (a kind of carriage), include benne (bin, skip, dump truck, barrow, cable car) in French, bin in English, and benna (bucket, grab) in Italian [source].

English words from the same PIE root include band, bandage, bandana, bend, bind, bond, bonnet, bundle, funicular, tulip and turban [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

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].

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