Thunder

14th December 202119th December 2021 By Simon

Words for thunder and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*toranos = thunder
Gaulish	taranus = thunder Tanaris / Toranos / Tonaros / Tanaros** = Celtic god of thunder.
Old Irish (Goídelc)	torann = thunder
Irish (Gaeilge)	torann [ˈt̪ˠɔɾˠən̪ˠ/ˈt̪ˠʌɾˠən̪ˠ] = noise, thunder, (tumult of) battle toirneach [ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠn̠ʲəx/ˈt̪ˠaːɾˠn̠ʲa(x)] = thunder, thunderclap toirniúil = thundery, thundering, noisy torannach / toranda = noisy torannáil = (act of) making noise, rumbling marbhthoirneach = subdued, distant thunder
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	torrann [tɔr̪ˠən̪ˠ] = loud murmur, rumble, thunder torrunn [tɔr̪ˠən̪ˠ] = loud murmur, rumble, thunder toireann [tɤrʲən̪ˠ] = thunder tàirneach [taːr̪ˠn̪ʲəx] = thunder tàirneanach [taːr̪ˠn̪ʲənəx] = thunder torrann-sgòth = thundercloud mòthar an tàirneanaich = the roar of thunder
Manx (Gaelg)	taarnagh / taarnaghey = thunder, thundering rooit haarnee = thunder-clap bodjal taarnee = thunder cloud frass taarnee = thunder shower
Proto-Brythonic	*taran = thunder
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	taran = (peal of) thunder, thunderclap
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taran [ˈtaran/ˈtaːran] = thunder, thunderclap, thunderbolt taranau = thunder taranu = to thunder, roar, fulminate, vociferate, cause/give forth thunder taran(i)ad = thundering, clap of thunder, roar, loud noise like thunder mellt a tharanau = thunder and lightning
Old Cornish	taran = thunder
Cornish (Kernewek)	taran = thunder tarenna, taredna = to thunder taran sonek = sonic boom tardh taran = thunderclap
Old Breton	taran = thunder
Breton (Brezhoneg)	taran = thunder, thundering, flashes, growls, grumbling

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)tenh₂- (to thunder) [source].

Words for thunder in Germanic languages come from the same PIE root, via the Proto-Germanic *þunraz (thunder, Germanic deity), including thunder in English, donder in Dutch, Donner in German, and torden in Norwegian, and also the Old Norse Þórr (Thor – god of thunder), from whom we get the word Thursday [source].

The English word tornado comes from the same PIE root, via the Spanish tronada (thunderstorm), from tronar (to thunder), from the Latin tonō (to thunder), from which we also get words for thunder in Romance languages [source].

The name of the River Tanaro in northwestern Italy comes from the Latin Tanarus, from the Gaulish *Tanaros [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Parts and Portions

2nd December 202120th July 2024 By Simon

Words for part, portion, piece, thing and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*rannā = part
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rann = part (of a whole) randatu = the property of belonging to a part of speech rannaid = to divide (into parts), to apportion ranngabáil = participle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rann, rand, ran, rán = part, lot, portion, faction, alliance
Irish (Gaeilge)	rann [ɾˠanˠ] = part, side (in dispute), partition rannach = apportioning, sharing, open-handed rannadóir = divider, sharer rannán = division rannóg = section rannpháirt = participation, part, share roinn = share, portion, distribution, dealing, trading, division
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rann [r̪ˠaun̪ˠ] = stanza, quatrain, verse, bond, deed, division, part, portion, section rann-phàirt = participation, portion, participle roinn [r̪ˠɤin̪ʲ / r̪ˠɤn̪ʲə] = dividing, partitioning, section, share, allotment, partition, department, division roinneadair = divider, divisor, sorter
Manx (Gaelg)	rheynn = divide, classify, distribute, dispense, share fo-rheynn = section so-rheynn = divisible
Proto-Brythonic	*rrann = part
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rann = part
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhan [r̥an] = part (of something), portion, division, element, constituent, component rhanadwy = divisible, dividend rhanedig = shared (out), divided, parted, split, separate rhannu = to divide, separate, part, divide
Old Cornish	radn = part, portion
Cornish (Kernewek)	radn = lot, part, portion, role, share ranna = to share
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rannaff = to share, separate, divide, pronounce, split
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rann [rãnː] = part, fraction, division, slot rannañ [ˈrã.nːã] = to share, separate, divide, pronounce, split ranned [ˈrã.nːet] = dividend ranngalon [ʁɑ̃nˈɡɑːlɔ̃n] = deep sorrow, desolation, heartbreak rann

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *per- (to sell) [source], which is also the root of such English words as depart, jeopardy, parcel, part, partition and portion [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷezdis = piece, portion
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuit [kudʲ] = part, portion, share cuit adaill, cuit adíll = a passing visit, a brief visit cuitigid = to share, partake
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuit = share, part, portion cuit(gi)d = to share, partake, participate
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuid [kɪdʲ] = part (of whole), share, portion, some, cuideach = wealthy, prosperous cuideachta = company, companionship, social amusement, fun cuideachtaigh = to bring together, associate cuideachtúil = companionable, sociable cuideachtúlacht = sociableness cuidí = component cuidigh = to share, help, requite, repay (usually for misdeed), do for, do away with cuiditheoir = helper, supporter, seconder cuidiú = to help, assistance cuidiúil = helpful, cocky, conceited
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuid [kudʲ] = portion, share, allotment, ration, effects, means, belongings, some (people), accommodation, victuals cuid-eigin [kudʲegʲɪn] = someone, somebody cuideachail [kudʲəxal] = helpful, constructive, subsidiary cuideachair [kudʲəxɛrʲ] = auxiliary, helper cuideachas [kudʲəxəs] = help, suppprt cuideachd [kudʲəxg] = company, society, throng, troop; also, too, jointly, together cuideachdadh [kudʲəxgəɣ] = accompanying cuideag [kudʲag] = small portion / share
Manx (Gaelg)	cooid = certain, some, stuff, assets, goods, helping, means, part, possessions, proportion, resources cooidjagh = accompanying, jointly, together, inclusive cooidjaghtagh = companion, companionable
Gaulish	*pettiā, = (?)
Pictish	*ᚚᚔᚈ (pit) = (a parcel of) land, a portion (?) – found in placenames like Pitlochry
Proto-Brythonic	*peθ = part
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	ped = thing, object
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	peth = thing, object
Welsh (Cymraeg)	peth [peːθ] = thing, object, material, suff, substance, device, instrument, personal possessions, belongings, tools, equipment, something, anything peth(eu)ach = (unimportant) things, trifles pethdod = thingness, thinghood, reality, substantiality petheiddio = to reify, make real or concrete
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	peth, pêth, peyth, pŷth = thing, something, article pethow = things, riches, wealth
Cornish (Kernewek)	pyth, peth [pɪːθ / pɛθ] = commodity, material, matter, possession, property, thing, that which, what, appliance pyth ha da, peth ha da = possessions pythek, pethek = concrete pythow, pethow = belongings, wealth
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pez, pezz = piece, bit, part
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pezh [peːs] = piece, bit, room, part, what pezhiad = (big) piece, piece (of) pezhig = (an) ugly piece

Etymology: unknown, possibly borrowed from a non-Indo-European substrate source [source]. Words from the same roots via Gaulish *pettyā and Latin pettia (piece, portion), include piece in English, pièce (room, patch, piece, play, document) in French, peza (piece, fragment, part) in Galician, pieze (piece, part) in Spanish, biisi (song) in Finnish, and ピース (pīsu – piece) in Japanese [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	písa, pissa = piece, fragment, coin
Irish (Gaeilge)	piosa [ˈpʲiːsˠə] = piece, bit, patch, piece-work, literary or musical composition, coin piosaáil = to piece together, patch
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pìos [piːs] = bit, piece, sandwich, piece, (musical) composition, hunk (person) pìosach [piːsəx] = in pieces / fragments pìosail [piːsal] = sexy, attractive pìosan [piːsan] = small piece / bit
Manx (Gaelg)	peesh = bit, cutting, patch, piece, length (of thread), parcel
Cornish (Kernewek)	pis = piece

Etymology: from Middle English pece (piece, morsel, bit), from Anglo-Norman piece (piece, bit, part), from Late Latin petttia (piece, portion), from Gaulish *pettyā, from Proto-Celtic *kʷezdis (piece, portion) – see above [source].

Proto-Celtic	darnos, darnā = piece, part
Old Irish (Goídelc)	drécht [dʲrʲeːxt] = portion, part
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drecht, drécht = part, portion, section; poem, literary composition dréchtach = numerous; skilled in song or poetry dréchtfaid = to divide up
Irish (Gaeilge)	dréacht [dʲɾʲeːxt̪ˠ]= part, portion, draft, detachment, number; (literary) piece, composition; draft dréachtach = composer, poet; skilled in/diligent at compostion dréachtaigh = to draft dréachtín = versicle, stanza dréachtóir = drafter, draughtsman (of documents)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dreachd [drɛxg] = draft dreachd-aithisge = draft report dreachd-dhealbh = working drawing
Manx (Gaelg)	draght, dreaght = draft draghtey = to draw up dreaght feeleeaght = a piece of poetry
Gaulish	*darnā = piece
Proto-Brythonic	*darn = piece (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	darn = piece, fragment, part darnaw, darnio, darnu = to break or tear in pieces
Welsh (Cymraeg)	darn [darn] = piece, fragment, part, coin, passage darn(i), darnu = to break or tear in pieces darn(i)edig = broken or torn to pieces darniog = broken, shattered, fragmentary
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	darn = fragment, piece pethow = things, riches, wealth
Cornish (Kernewek)	darn = bit, fragment, part, piece darnas = portion
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	darn = fragment, part darnaou = broken, very tired darnaouet = torn to pieces, very tired, bored
Breton (Brezhoneg)	darn [peːs] = fragment, part, some darnan, darnañ = to fragment, chip, shorten darnaou = broken, very tired darnaouin = to break darnek = partial

Etymology: from PIE *der- (to split, separate, tear, crack, shatter). The French word darne (steak, fillet) was borrowed from Breton darn (fragment, part, some). Words from the same PIE root include dermal, tear and tier in English, and tirar (to throw) in Spanish, zehren (to live on, feed on, undermine, wear out) in German, and драть [dratʲ] (to tear to pieces) in Russian [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

Bark and Beehives

17th November 202122nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for bark, beehives and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ruskos = bark, beehive
Gaulish	rusca / ruskā = bark, beehive
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rúsc [ruːsk] = (tree) bark, basket, covering
Irish (Gaeilge)	rúsc [ɾˠuːsˠk] = (tree) bark, vessel made of bark rúscach = bark-like; rough, wrinkled (skin) rúscán = strip of bark, vessel made of bark, kind of seaweed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rùsg [r̪ˠuːsg] = (tree) bark, peel, rind, husk, crust, fleece rùsg-caorach = sheep’s fleece rùsg-abhaill = apple peel rùsg na Talmhainn = crust of the Earth rùsgan [r̪ˠuːsgan] = thin (tree) bark, thin peel/rind/husk, thin crust, small fleece, bark boat rùsgach = fleecy
Manx (Gaelg)	roost [ruːst] = peel, bark, rind roostey = strip, peel, hull, rob, bare, rind, debunk, rifle, unbark, deprive, peeling, exposure
Proto-Brythonic	*rrisk = bark
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	risgl, risg, rhisg, risc = bark
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhisg(l) [ˈr̥ɪsɡ(l)/ˈr̥ɪsɡɪ(l)] = (piece of) bark, rind, peel (of fruit) husk (of grain) rhisg(l)ach = pieces of bark rhisgen = (bark) dish or pan rhisglen = (piece of) bark, rind; hackle, flax comb rhisgl(i)af, rhisgaf, rhisgl(i)o, rhisgo = to bark, decorticate, peel (off), develop bark (on), encrust rhisg(l)aidd = having bark or rind, corticate(d), covered with bark
Old Cornish	rusc = bark
Middle Cornish	risc = bark
Cornish (Kernewek)	rusken = bark, peel ruskek = rough-barked
Middle Breton	rusquenn = beehive
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rusk = bark, peel, zest ruskek = rough, rugged, coarse ruskenn = (bee)hive, apiary ruskennad = beehive ruskenner = beehive maker

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃rewk- (to dig up), possibly from *h₃er- (to move, stir) [source].

The French word ruche (beehive, ruffle, flounce) and the Catalan word rusc (beehive) come from the Gaulish root rusca, via the Late Latin rusca (bark), and the English word ruche (pleated fabric, ruff), and the German word Rüsche (ruffle, ruche) were borrowed from 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, logainm.ie, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Calling Words

9th November 202113th September 2024 By Simon

Words for word, call, cry and related things in Celtic languages.

words is various languages
Word cloud created with WordItOut

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	gāri = shout, call garyeti = to cry, shout gar(r)man- = cry, shout garyo- = word, command *garyos = call, cry
Gaulish	Garomaros / Garo-marus = personal name* adgarion = accuser (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons gairid [ˈɡarʲiðʲ] = to call, cry out, summon adgair [aðˈɡarʲ] = to summon congair [konˈɡarʲ] = to call, summon; invite dogair = to call
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons, cry, name, title, calling, employment, profession gairid = to call
Irish (Gaeilge)	gáir [ɡɑːɾʲ/ɡæːɾʲ] = cry, shout; report, fame, notoriety; to cry shout; laugh gáire = to laugh gáieach = laughing, smiling gáieachtach = noisy, vociferous; laughing, merry gairm [ˈɡaɾʲəmʲ/ˈɡɪɾʲəmʲ] = call, calling, acclaim (an tuiseal) gairmeach = vocative (case) gairmí = professional gairmiúil = vocational, professional slua gairm = slogan
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goir [gɤrʲ] = to call, cry, hoot, crow gàir [gaːrʲ] = to laugh, cry shout; outcry, shout, clamour gàir nan tonn = the roar of the waves gairm [ɡɤrʲɤm] = calling, crying, call, cry, announcing, declaring, convenning, call of the cockerel gairmeachadh = (act of) calling gairm-choileach = cock-crow gairm-chatha, gairm-chogaidh = war-cry sluagh-gairm = slogan tuiseal gairmeach = vocative case
Manx (Gaelg)	gerr = crow, shout gerr chah = war cry gerrym = crowing, outcry, shouting, whoop, whooping, (cock) crow), avocation, mission, profession, vocation gerrymagh = vocative gerrymoil = professional, vocational gerrym caggee = battle cry, call up, war cry gerrym chellee = cock crow sleih gerrym = slogan
Proto-Brythonic	*gėr [ɡe̝ːr] = word, speech
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	geir = word gaur, gawr = shout, cry garddu = groan garym, garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garymleis, garamleis = scream, clamour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gair [ɡai̯r] = word, speech, phrase, greeting, salutation, short exhortation, saying, proverb; verb; line of poetry, verse; report, rumour, information, letter, reputation, fame, praise geiriad = wording, phraseology, phrase geiriadaf, geiriadu = to word, phrase, express geiriadur = dictionary geiriaduraf, geiriaduro, geiriadura = to compile a dictionary geiriaduriaeth, geiriaduraeth = lexicography; vocabulary; grammar geiriadurwr = lexicographer, dictionary-maker geiriog = wordy, verbose garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garmlais = scream, clamour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	garm = a cry, shout, outcry garme = to shout, raise a shout, cry aloud, cry out
Cornish (Kernewek)	ger [ɡɛːr/ɡeːr] = word, saying, report gerdhal = dyslexic gerdhalni = dyslexia gerlyver = dictionary garm = to shout, whoop, yell garm argemynna = (advertising) slogan garm vresel = battle cry garm wormola = ovation garma = to cry out, whoop, yell garma yn lowen = to cheer
Old Breton	gerent = word. say
Middle Breton	guer = word garm = loud crying, yelping of a fox, war cry, cry garmadeg, garmadenn = clamour garmer = to cry, crying, brawler garmiñ = to cry, bellow, yelp
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ger [ɡeːr] = word geriadur = dictionary garm = cry, clamour, weeping

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵeh₂r- (to shout, call) [source]. The English words garrulous (excessively talkative), care and charm (sound of many voices (esp. of birds or children), a flock or group (esp. of finches)) come from the same PIE root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*woxtlom = dispute
Old Irish (Goídelc)	focul [ˈɸokul] = word
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	focal, foc(c)ull, focla, facul = word, vocable, phrase, estimate, award, judgement, promise
Irish (Gaeilge)	focal [ˈfˠɞkəl̪ˠ/ˈfˠɔkəlˠ] = word, phrase, remark, observation, saying, intelligence, message, promise, assurance focalhbhá = ellipsis … foclach = wordy, verbose foclachas = wordiness, verbiage focleolaí = philologist focleolaíoch = philological focleolaíocht = philology foclóir = dictionary, lexicon, vocabulary foclóireacht = lexicography foclóireolaíocht/strong> = lexicology foclóirí = lexicographer foclóirín = word-list, vocabulary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	facal [faxgəl̪] = word, comment, remark facal air an fhacal = word for word, literally, verbatim facal-faire = password facal-fhreumhail = etymology facal-mùirne = an endearment facal-toisich = introduction, preamble
Manx (Gaelg)	fockle [ˈfɔːɡəl] = word, charm, vocable focklagh = wordy, verbose, voluble, loquacious focklaghys = wordiness, verbiage fockleyr = dictionary, lexicon, thesaurus fockleyragh = lexicographic fockleyreen = vocabulary, wordbook fockleyreyder = lexicographer fockleyrys = lexicography
Proto-Brythonic	*gwoɨθl = dispute
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwaethyl = debate, dispute, contention, battle gwaethyl uann, gwaethyluann = loud in dispute, strenuous, striving gwaethyl gwyr = fighter, warrior
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwaethl = debate, dispute, contention, battle gwaethlfan = loud in dispute, strenuous, striving gwaethlwr = fighter, warrior gwaethl =

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *wókʷtlom, from *wekʷ- (to speak, sound out) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include advocate, epic, vocal, voice, vouch and , vowel in English; gewagen (to report, notify) in Dutch; voce (voice, call, word) in Italian; and उक्ति (ukti – saying, expression) in Hindi [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brētrā = word, battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bríathar [ˈbʲrʲiːa̯θər] = word, speech, utterance, verb, discourse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bríathar, briathor = word, utterance, talk, saying, speech, discourse, blessing, prayer, curse, promise, vow, pledge, verb bríathardae = wordy, verbal bríatharach = wordy, verbose bríathad = act of speaking bríatharaigid = to speak, pronounce
Irish (Gaeilge)	briathar [ˈbʲɾʲiəhəɾˠ / ˈbʲɾʲiːhəɾˠ] = word, verb briathartha = verbal briathrach = wordy, verbose briathrachas = wordiness, verbosity briathraíocht = diction
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	briathar [brʲiəhər] = word, term briathrail [brʲiəral] = loquacious, talkative, wordy, verbose briathrach [brʲiərəx] = talkative, loquacious, wordy, verbose
Manx (Gaelg)	breear = verb breearagh = verbal
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brwyder, brwydyr = battle brwydraw = to battle, fight, struggle, attack brwydrin = battle, conflict, fierce, pugnacious brwydyrdaer = resolute in battle, fighting with all one’s might brwytyrgar, brwydyrgar = delighting in fighting, eager for battle, bellicose brwydryar = tumult of battle, battle-cry brwydr-wr = fighter, warrior, combatant
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brwydr [ˈbrʊɨ̯dr / ˈbrʊi̯dr] = pitched battle, conflict, attack, campaign, struggle, bother, dispute, controversy, host, army brwydrin = battle, conflict, fierce, pugnacious brwydro = to battle, fight, struggle, attack brwydrwr = fighter, warrior, combatant

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerH- (to strike, pierce) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include boren (to) bore in English, (to drill) in Dutch, and foràre (to pierce, puncture) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*galw-o- = call
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gláed = shout, loud call gláedach = noisy, blustering, adjective gláedid = to cry out, name; verb gláedem = wolf glegrach = noisy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gláed, glaid = shout, loud call gláedach = calling, crying out, shouting, noisy, blustering gláedid = to cry out, to name glegrach = noisy, resounding, clamorous
Irish (Gaeilge)	glao [ɡl̪ˠeː/ɡlˠiː] = call, shout glaoch = calling, to call glaoigh = to call, cry out, shout glaoiteach = calling, vociferous glaomaire = loud-mouthing, vociferous, boastful person glaomaireacht = shouting, bragging, boastfulness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glaodh [gl̪ˠɯː] = cry, shout, yell, proclamation glaodhach [gl̪ˠɯː.əx] = crying, shouting, yelling glaodhaire [gl̪ˠɯː.ɪrʲə] = crier, loudspeaker glaodhar [gl̪ˠɯː.ər] = noise, rattling, clang, clash glaodhte = cried, shouted, yelled
Manx (Gaelg)	gyllagh = calling, crying gyllaghey = to cry, roar, shout
Proto-Brythonic	*gėlwɨd = to call
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	galw = a call, calling, shout, cry, invitation gelwi, galw, galwaf = to call, shout, bawl, summon, invite galwedic, galwedig = called, named, summoned galwedigaeth, galwedygaeth = call, a calling, vocation, profession, occupation
Welsh (Cymraeg)	galw [ˈɡalu / ˈɡaːlu] = a call, calling, shout, cry, invitation galwad = a calling, call, shout, sounding galwaf, galw, gelwain = to call, shout, bawl, summon, invite galwdig = called, named, summoned galwdigaeth = call, a calling, vocation, profession, occupation galwdigaethol = vocational, occupational, professional
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	galow = a call, invitation gelwel, gylwel = to call (for), invoke, name
Cornish (Kernewek)	galow = appeal, call, calling, invitation, vocation galwansek = vocational galwen = call galwesigeth = calling, profession, vocation galwesik = professional gelwel = to call, appeal, invite, summon
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	galu = appeal, summons
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	galu = appeal, summons gueruell, gueluer = to call, summon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	galv [ˈɡalw/ˈɡalɥ/ˈɡalf] = appeal, summons galvedigezh [ɡalveˈdiːɡɛs] = vocation, calling galvel, galven, galver, gervel = to call, summon

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gal(o)s- (voice, cry). The English word call comes from the same PIE root, as do galsas (sound, echo) in Lithuanian, голос [ˈɡoɫəs] (voice, word, remark, vote) in Russian, hlas (voice, vote) in Czech, and gallo (rooter, cockerel) in Spanish [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

Ditches and Trenches

3rd November 202131st August 2024 By Simon

Words for ditches, trenches and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	klado- = to dig, bury klādos = trench kladeti = to dig, thrust kladyā = digging
Gaulish	Vindo-cladia = place name
Old Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clad = ditch, dyke claide [ˈkla.ðʲe] = to dig con·claid = to dig, excavate do·claid = to dig up, uproot claidid = to dig
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clad, clod = hole dug in the ground, trench claide = digging, trenching, ditch, trench, excavation claidid = to dig, excavate, undermine clas = ditch, trench, furrow, pit, cooking-pit, burning-pit, grave
Irish (Gaeilge)	cladh = ditch, trench (literary) cladhach = ridged, furrowed cladhaire = ditcher claidh = to dig (a trench), build (a dike) clais [klˠæʃ] = water channel, gully, ditch, trench, furrow, rut, groove, deep cut, gash, put, trough, soft mass, large quantity clasach = channelled, trenched, grooved, gashed clasaigh = to channel, trench, gash, groove
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cladh [kl̪ˠɤɣ] = burial ground, cemetry, graveyard, ditch cladhach [kl̪ɤ.əx] = digging, dig, excavation clais [kl̪ˠaʃ] = furrow, groove, ditch, drain, gutter, rut, trench claiseach [kl̪ˠaʃəx] = furrowed, grooved, fluted, abounding in trenches/ditches claisean [kl̪ˠaʃan] = small furrow, small groove, small ditch, drain claisearachd [kl̪ˠaʃərəxg] = ditching, act of digging a ditch clais-mhòr = gorge
Manx (Gaelg)	clash = channel, cleft, gorge, hollow, furrow, trench, sewer clashal = to trench clashag = furrowed, grooved
Proto-Brythonic	*klėðɨd [kle̝ˈðɨːd] = to dig, thrust
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clad, clat = hole, put, ditch, trench, grave cladedic, kladdedig = buried, interred, dug up cladedigaeth, klydigeth = burial, funeral claddfa = cemetry, graveyard, burial-ground cladu, kladu, kladdy, cladv = to bury, hide, forget, dig, burrow cleis, clais = bruise, would, break, line, groove, rut, fissure, ditch, trench, rivulet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cladd = hole, put, ditch, trench, grave claddedig = buried, interred, dug up claddedigaeth = burial, funeral claddfa = cemetry, graveyard, burial-ground claddu [ˈklaðɨ̞/ˈklaːði] = to bury, hide, forget, dig, burrow, stab, pierce clais [klai̯s/klai̯ʃ] = bruise, would, break, line, groove, rut, fissure, ditch, trench, rivulet clawdd [ˈklaːu̯ð/ˈklau̯ð] = mound, dyke, earthwork, bulwark, boundary, hedge, fence; ditch, gutter, trench, pit, quarry, mine, moat, fosse cloddio = to dig, delve, trench, ditch, excavate clodd(i)wr, clawddwr = ditcher, navvy, digger, miner, quarryman, hedger, excavator mwyn i’r clawdd to be unsuccessful, fail (“to go to the ditch/wall”)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cledh, clêdh = dyke, ditch, trench, fence cladhva = a burying place ancledhy = to bury, inter ancledhyas, anclydhyas, encledhyes = burial, funeral
Cornish (Kernewek)	kleudh = ditch kleudhik = groove kleudhya = to dig a trench, ditch, excavate ynkleudhva = cemetry, graveyard ynkleudhyans = burial, funeral ynkleudhyas = to bury, inter ynkleudhyer / ynkleudhyores = funeral director, undertaker
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	clud = hollow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	creux, cleus, cleuz = hollow, cave
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kleuz [kløː(s)] = hollow, slope, earth embankment, fence (of earth), hedge (of thorns, etc) kleuziad kleuz(i)añ [ˈkløː.z(i)ã] = to dig kleuzier

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kelh- (to beat, break) [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	díog = ditch, trench, drain díogach = trenched, having trenches
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dìg [dʲiːg] = ditch, dyke, drain
Manx (Gaelg)	jeeg = ditch, gutter, moat, trench jeeig = conduit, cut, ditch, drain, gully, put, trench, waterway, sewer jeeigagh = ditched jeeigit = ditched, drained

Etymology: unknown.

Irish (Gaeilge)	fos = prop, buttress, wall
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fos [fɔs] = ditch, wall, buttress (archaic)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	fos, foss = ditch, dike
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ffos [fɔs] = ditch, dike, gutter, moat, trench, furrow, groove, pit ffos(i)af, ffosi(o) = to ditch, trench, furrow, chamfer ffosedig = trenched, moated, furrowed, lined ffos gaeedig = drain ffos y clawdd, ffos glawdd = roadside ditch ffos ddyfrio conduit ffos melin, ffos y felin = mill-race
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	fos = ditch, moat, trench, intrenchment, wall
Cornish (Kernewek)	fos = wall paper fos = wallpaper toll y’n fos = cash dispenser, ATM (“hole in the wall”)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	fos, foss, fôs = ditch, gap, pit, (river) bed
Breton (Brezhoneg)	foz = ditch, gap, sand trap foz disac’hañ = rift (valley), collapsed ditch foz-kronniañ = holding tank, retention pit

Etymology: from the Latin fossa (ditch, trench, moat, gutter, furrow), from fossa terra (dug-up earth) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷantyos = flat hill, valley
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céite = hill, mound, race-course, assembly
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	céide, céite = hill, mound, eminence, open space
Irish (Gaeilge)	céide [ˈlʲɛtʲəɾʲ/ˈl̠ʲɛtʲəɾʲ] = flat-topped hill, place of assembly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cèide = market, fair, green, hillock
Pictish	ᚘᚐᚅᚈ = hollow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pant = hollow, depression, valley, dent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pant [pant] = hollow, depression, valley, dent pant (y) llaw = palm of the hand pant a thalar = hilla and dale, everywhere pantiad = hollow, depression pant(i)af, pantio, pantu = to be(come) hollow, make an impression, sink (in the middle) pant(i)og = hollow, sunken, uneven, holed, sinking, sagging, concave pantir = dale-land, valley-bottom, lowland pantlawr = uneven/concave floor pantlle = hollow, dell, small valley, place full of hollows
Cornish (Kernewek)	pans = dell, dingle, hollow
Old Breton	pantet = curved, curve
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pant = curved, curve, bend
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pant = slope, hillside

Etymology: possibly from the PIE *kwem-t (hill)

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, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Lakes and Ponds

15th October 202115th October 2021 By Simon

Words for lakes, ponds and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*lindā = pool, lake
Gaulish	lindon = pool, lake; sea, ocean
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lind [l̠ʲiːn̠ʲ / l̠ʲɪn̠ʲ] = pool, pond, body of water, lake, sea
Irish (Gaeilge)	linn = pool, pond, body of water, lake, sea linn mhuilinn = mill-pond linn lachan = duck pond linneach = full of pools, watery linneolaíocht = limnology (freshwater science) linntreog = small pool, puddle, pot-hole
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	linne [l̪ʲin̪ʲə] deep pool; strait, sound, firth linne-thuathal, faochag-linne = whirlpool Linne Giùdain = Firth of Forth Linne Shalmhaigh = Solway Firth éisg-linn = fishpond
Manx (Gaelg)	lhingey = pool, pond, backwater lhingey chassee = small whirlpool lhingey eeast = fishpond
Proto-Brythonic	*llɨnn = lake, liquid
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llynn = lake, liquid
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyn [ɬɨ̞n/ɬɪn] = lake, pool, pond, puddle, moat llyn anoddun = bottomless pit, the deep llyn melin = mill pond llyn tro = whirlpool
Old Cornish	lin = lake
Cornish (Kernewek)	lynn, lydn = lake
Old Breton	lin = lake
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lenn = lake, basin, washhouse, fishpond, body of water

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *liH-nd-o-/*liH-nd-u [source].

These words appear in places names such as Lincoln in England, Dublin in Ireland, Lintgen in Luxembourg, Limmat – a river in Switzerland (originally Lindimacus), and possibly strong>Lindern in Germany.

Proto-Celtic	*loku = lake, pool
Old Irish (Goídelc)	loch [l͈ox] = lake, inlet of the sea
Irish (Gaeilge)	loch [l̪ˠɔx] = lake, pool, (body of) water, arm of the sea, lough, fiord lochach = having (many) lakes lochán = small lake, pond lochánach = having (many) small lakes loch-chuach = lake basin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	loch [l̪ˠɔx] = loch, lake lochach = pertaining to or abounding in lochs/lakes lochan = small lake, loch loch-mara = sea loch loch-tasgaidh = reservoir loch-uisge = freshwater loch/lake feur-lochan = small grassy loch (which tends to dry up)
Manx (Gaelg)	logh [laːx] = lake, lough, loch, arm of the sea loghan = small lake, pond, dam, tank, dock, pool loghanagh = full of lakes logh-hailjey = saltwater lake logh-ushtey = freshwater lake
Old Welsh	lichou = lake, pool
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	luch, lluch = lake, pool
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwch [ɬuːχ] = lake, pool, stagnant water, bog, swamp, marsh, mud, mire, grime, filth, dung
Cornish (Kernewek)	logh = inlet
Middle Breton	laguenn = flooded field
Breton (Brezhoneg)	loc’h = pond, lagoon, flooded meadow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *lókus (pond, pool), which is also the root of the Icelandic lögur (liquid, fluid, lake, sea), and words for lake in Romance languages, including lac in French, Occitan and Romanian, and lago in Galician, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Ale and Beer

12th October 202123rd September 2022 By Simon

Words for ale, beer and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*lindo- = drink
Gaulish	linda = drink
Old Irish (Goídelc)	linn [ˈl͈ʲin͈ʲ] = drink, liquid, brew, ale, beer, intoxicating drink lind = liquid, drink, ale
Irish (Gaeilge)	leann = (pale) ale, beer; liquid, fluid lionn = humour (of the body) lionndubhach = melancholy, depressed leannadóir = ale-merchant leannlus = hop leann bó = milk leann donn = brown ale leann dubh = stout leann piorra = perry leann sinséir = ginger ale leann úll = cider iarleann = small, weak beer seomra leanna = tap-room teach leanna = ale-house
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leann [l̪ʲãũn̪ˠ] / lionn [l̪ʲũːn̪ˠ]= ale, beer; humour (of the body); fluid, liquid lionn-dubh = dejection, melancholy lionn searbh = bitter (ale) lionn-ubhal = cider
Manx (Gaelg)	lhune = ale, beer lhune doo = stout, porter lhune freillagh = lager lhune jinshar = ginger beer lhune ooyl = cider lhune peear = perry lhune sharroo = bitter (beer/ale) shamyr lhionney = bar room, lounge bar, tap room thie lhionney = ale house, pub
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llynn = drink
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyn [ɬɨ̞n/ɬɪn] = drink, beverage, intoxicating liquor, cordial, juice; liquid, humour llyn afalau = cider, apple juice llyn y bustl = bile llyn gellyg = perry
Old Cornish	lin = fluid, liquid, lotion
Cornish (Kernewek)	lin = fluid, liquid, lotion lin-golghi = washing detergent lin leur = floor cleaner lin sebon = detergent, washing-up liquid
Old Breton	linnou = drink
Breton (Brezhoneg)	liñvenn = liquid

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *liH-nd-o- [source].

Proto-Celtic	kormi, kurman = beer
Gaulish	curmi, curmím, κόρμα (kórma), κούρμι (koúrmi) = beer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuirm = ale, beer
Irish (Gaeilge)	coirm, cuirm [kɞɾʲəmʲ] = ale, drinking-party, feast, banquet coirmeach = ale-drinking, festive coirmtheach = ale-house coirm cheoil, ceolchoirm = concert
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuirm [kurʲum] = feast, banquet, entertainment; ale, beer (archaic) co(i)rm = ale, beer cuirm-chiùil = concert cuirm-chnuic = picnic
Manx (Gaelg)	cuirrey = banquet, feast cuirrey kiaull = concert
Proto-Brythonic	kuruβ ̃, kurβ̃ = beer, ale
Old Welsh	curum = beer, ale
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kuref, kwryf, kwrwf, cwrwf, cyryw = beer, ale
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwrw [ˈkʊru / ˈkuːru] = beer, ale cwrw Adda = Adam’s ale, water cwrw casgen = draught beer cwrw coch = brown ale cwrw cychwyn = a drink of beer on setting out on a journey, one for the road coesau cwrw = a drunken gait (“beer legs”)
Old Cornish	coref, coruf = ale, beer
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	cor = ale, beer coref = ale, beer
Cornish (Kernewek)	korev, kor = ale, beer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	korev = ale, beer

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-Eurpean *kremH- (to burn) [source], or *ḱr̥h₃-m- (porridge, soup), or *ḱh₁erh₂- (to mix) [source].

The Latin word cervēs(i)a (beer) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, as do words for beer in several Romance languages, including Spanish (cerveza), Portuguese (cerveja), Galician (cervexa) and Catalan (cervesa) [source].

More about words for beer in European languages.

Irish (Gaeilge)	beoir [bʲoːɾʲ] = beer, a woman (rare, colloquial) beoir bhairille = draught beer beoir shinséir = ginger beer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beòir [bjɔːrʲ] = beer beòir chaol = small beer roipean beòir = beer moustache
Manx (Gaelg)	beer = beer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ber, berr, berre = beer, ale
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bir = beer, ale
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bier = ale, beer

Etymology (Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx): from the Old Norse bjórr, from the Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer), from the Proto-Indo-Eurpean *bʰews- (dross, sediment) [source].

Etymology (Welsh): from the English beer, from the Middle English bere (beer), from the Old English bēor (beer), from the Proto-West Germanic *beuʀ (beer), from the Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer) [source].

Etymology (Breton): from the French bière (beer), from the Old French biere (beer), from the Middle Dutch bier/bēr (beer), from the Frankish *bior (beer), from Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Cloaks and Veils

6th October 202119th August 2024 By Simon

Words for cloak, blanket and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	culpait = hood, cowl culpatach = hooded
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	culpait, clupait = hood, cowl culpatach = having a hood, hooded, folded
Irish (Gaeilge)	clupaid [ˈklˠʊpˠədʲ] = fold, tuck (in cloth) clupaideach = gathered, puckered, wrinkled
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crùbag [kruːbag] = wrinkle(d), bent, shrunk, fold, plait, gather criopag [krʲihbag] = wrinkle, clew, hag, horrible old woman
Manx (Gaelg)	craplag = fold, furrow, line, wrinkle
Proto-Brythonic	*külkɨd = ?
Old Welsh	cichet = coverlet, sheet, blanket, bedclothes, bed, couch
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kylchet, cylched, kylched = coverlet, sheet, blanket, bedclothes, bed, couch
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cylched [ˈkəlχɛd] = coverlet, sheet, blanket, bedclothes, bed, couch cylchedlen = valanec, curtain, hangings
Cornish (Kernewek)	kolghes = duvet, quilt
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	colcet = quilt
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	golchet = quilt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	golch’ed [ˈɡolxet] = duvet, quilt golch’edad = contents of a duvet golch’edenn = pad (under a saddle, etc), straw mattress golch’edenniñ = to fill with a pad

Etymology: from Latin culcita (mattress, pillow, cushion), which is of uncertain origin. Words from the same roots include quilt in English, and couette (duvet, quilt) in French [source].

Victory

23rd September 20212nd March 2025 By Simon

Words for victory and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	boudi = profit, gain, victory boudīkos = victorious Boudīkā = a female given name*
Gaulish	boudi = profit, gain, victory Boudīkā = a female given name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	búaid [buːa̯ðʲ] = benefit, gift, profit, quality, triumph, victory, virtue búadach = gifted, triumphant, victorious
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	búaid, boid, boad = victory, triumph, virtue, attribute, gift, advantage, profit, benefit búadred = act of troubling, distrubing, confusing; trouble, disturbance, perturbation, confusion; act of stirring up, making turbid, turbidity
Irish (Gaeilge)	bua [bˠuə] = victory, truimph; gift, talent; virtue merit; special quality bua morálta = moral victory ollbhua [ˈɔl̪ˠˌwuə] = landslide victory buach = victorious buachan = gain, victory buaigh = to win, gain; defeat, overcome; succeed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	buaidh [buəj] = success, conquest, victory, consequence, effect, impact, influence, sway, mastery, predominance buaidh-làrach = decisive victory buaidh-chaithream = triumph, triumphant shout or song buaidheach = victorious, effective buadhach = victorious, effective, influential, talented, gifted buadhalach = victorious, triumphant diombuaidheach = unsuccessful, unlucky, defeatist Buaidheach = Boudica (female given name)
Manx (Gaelg)	booie = victorious, victory, triumph
Proto-Brythonic	bʉd = profit bʉðig = victorious Bʉðig = a female given name*
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ysbud, bud, but = profit, gain, booty butic, budic = victorious, truimphant, prosperous, successful, beneficial, generous, kind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	budd [bɨːð / biːð] = profit, gain, booty, riches, wealth, blessing, favour, advantage, emolument, benefit, usefulness buddfawr = bearing much booty or spoils, profitable, beneficial buddfawredd = generosity, gain buddgar = conferring blessings, beneficial, generous, covetous buddged = benefit, adventage, gain, gift, reward buddio = to profit, succeed, prosper, benefit buddig / buddug = victorious, truimphant, prosperous, successful, beneficial, generous, kind Buddug = Boudica (female given name) buddugaf, buddugo = to triumph, gain a victory, conquer buddugiol = victorious, conquering, triumphant, mighty, successful buddugioliaeth = victory, conquest, supremacy, precedence, glory, triumph, exulation, jubliation
Cornish (Kernewek)	budh = profit budhek = victorious
Old Breton	bud = profit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	buz [byː(s)] = profit Budic = Boudica (female given name)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰówdʰi (victory) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly include booty in English, butin (loot, booty) in French, botí (booty, spoils) in Catalan, bottino (booty, loot, cesspit, swag) in Italian, and Beute (booty, spoils, haul, prey, quarry) in German [source].

The name Boudica (the Queen of the Iceni who led an uprising against the Romans in 60/61 AD) comes from the Latin Boudicca / Boadicea, from the Gaulish *Boudīkā [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, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Battle

15th September 202112th June 2024 By Simon

Words for battle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	katus = battle Katutigernos = “battle lord/master” (male name) Katuwelnāmnos = “battle ruler” (male name*)
Gaulish	catu, katu = battle Katutigernos (male name)
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚐᚈᚈᚒ (cattu) = battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cath [kaθ] = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, warlike cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict (from com (with) and cath)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cath, = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, vehement cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = fighter, warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict, act of waging war
Irish (Gaeilge)	cath [kah] = battle, conflict, trial, battalion cathach = battling, warlike cathaí = battler, fighter cathaigh to battle, fight, tempt cogadh [ˈkɔɡə/ˈkʌɡu] = war, warfare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cath [kah] = battle, fight, contest, struggle, battalion, warfare cathach = warlike cath nan con = dogfight cath-thuagh = battle axe blàr-catha = battlefield gairm-chatha = warcry cogadh [kogəɣ] = war, fighting, warfare
Manx (Gaelg)	cah = military action battle crooseyr cah = battle-cruiser caggey [ˈkaːɣə] = war, fight, scrap, combat, campaign, clash, battle
Proto-Brythonic	kad = battle Kadüdɨɣern (male name) Kaduwallọn (male name*)
Old Welsh	Categern, Catigern (male name) Cadwallawn (male name) Categern, Catigern (male name)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kad, kat = battle Cattegirn (male name) Catgollaun, Catguallaun, Katwallaun (male name)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cad [kaːd] = battle, conflict, war, strife, struggle, trouble, army, host, throng, multitude, band cad ar faes = at loggerheads cadfan = battlefield Cadfan (male name) = 6th century Breton missionary to Wales [more details] Cadeyrn (male name) Cadwallon (male name)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cad, câs = battle, war cadlys = camp, intrenchment cadwur = warrior, soldier, champion
Cornish (Kernewek)	kas = armed conflict, battle, war kasor, kasores = fighter kasorek = militant Kaswallawn (male name)
Old Breton	Kaduuallon, Catuuallon (male name)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kad = combat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kad = battle Kadwallawn (male name)

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (fight), which is also the root of the German words Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to bicker, quarrel, struggle) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*agrom = slaughter, battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ár = slaugter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ár = slaugter, carnage, defeat, destruction
Irish (Gaeilge)	ár [ɑːɾˠ] = slaughter, havoc ármhá = battlefied, scene of slaughter ármhach = slaughter ármhar = slaugterous, destructive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àr [aːr] = battle, battlefield, slaughter, death àr-fhaich, àr-mhagh = battlefield àrmhach = destructive
Manx (Gaelg)	haar [ˈhɛːr] = slaughter, slaughtering
Proto-Brythonic	*aɨr [aɨ̯r] = battle, carnage
Old Welsh	hair = battle, fight, war
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aer = battle, fight, war aerbeir, aerbair = battle-lord, battle-leader aerbais = coat of mail aerbar = battle-spear, spear of slaughter aerbybyr = bright, fine, valiant, zealous, strong in battle aerdawelỽch, aerdawelwch = silence after battle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aer [aːɨ̯r / ai̯r] = battle, fight, war, skirmish, carnage, slaughter, army
Old Cornish	hair = slaughter, battle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ar, hâr, har = slaughter, battle
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	air = battle, combat, carnage, massacre airma = battlefield
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hair, aer, ár = battle, combat, carnage, massacre aerva, aerfa, ármag = battlefield
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aer [ɛːr] = battle, combat, carnage (archaic) aergi [ˈɛrɡi] = fighting dog, war dog, warrior (archaic) aerva [ˈɛr.va] = battlefield (archaic)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵros (field, pasturage), possibly from *h₂eǵ- (to drive). Words from the same roots include act, action, agent and agile in English [source].

Posted in Adjectives, Breton (Brezhoneg), Cornish (Kernewek), English, Etymology, Gaulish, German (Deutsch), Irish (Gaeilge), Language, Manx (Gaelg), Middle Breton (Brezonec), Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak), Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg), Middle Welsh (Kymraec), Nouns, Old Breton (Brethonoc), Old Cornish, Old Irish (Goídelc), Old Welsh (Kembraec), Primitive Irish, Proto-Brythonic, Proto-Celtic, Proto-Indo-European, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Verbs, Welsh (Cymraeg), WordsLeave a comment

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