Backs & Ridges

22nd November 20182nd February 2022 By Simon

Words for back in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	druimm [drumʲ] = back, ridge
Irish (Gaeilge)	droim [d̪ˠɾˠiːmʲ / d̪ˠɾˠɪmʲ] = back, ridge, carapace, wave
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	druim [drɯim] = back, ridge, keel, backline, camber
Manx (Gaelg)	dreeym = back, ridge, hillside, down, terrace, shed, camber, saddle, fret, arch, edge

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie

Proto-Celtic	*kebno- = back
Gaulish	Cebenna [keˈben.na] = ridge, height, and name of the mountins now known as the Cévennes
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keuen [ˈke.ven] = back
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cefn [kɛvn / ˈkeːvɛn] = back, support, ridge, middle, center
Cornish (Kernewek)	keyn [kɛɪn / kəɪn] = back, keel, ridge
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kein [ˈkɛjn] = back, keel, binding, convexity

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Fists, Palms, Hands & Arms

22nd November 201830th September 2023 By Simon

Words for fist, palm, hand, arm and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸlāmā = palm, hand
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lám [l͈aːṽ] = hand, arm, prowess, accomplishment, power
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	lám = hand, arm, prowess, accomplishment, power lámann, lámand, lámínd = glove, gauntlet, sleeve lámannán, lamannan = bladder
Irish (Gaeilge)	lámh [l̪ˠɑːvˠ / l̪ˠæːw] = hand, arm, handle, signature, measure (of horses) lámhach = skill in handling, in casting, dexterity lámhadóir = handler lámhainn = glove lámhainneoir = glove-maker lámhainneoireacht = glove-making lámhaíocht = helping hand, subscription
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làmh [l̪ˠaːv] = hand, arm, handle làmhainn [l̪ˠaːvɪn̪ʲ] = glove, mitten, gauntlet làmhchaireach = handy làmhcharach = dexterous, handy làmhchran, làmhrachan = handle làmhnan = handyman làmhadh = pawing, handling, groping
Manx (Gaelg)	laue [læu] = hand, handful, foreleg, grasp (of oar), arm lauee = dexterous, handy, useful, versatile, manual lauean = glove laueys = alacrity, elbow grease, skilfulness, industy
Proto-Brythonic	*lọβ̃ [ˈlɔːβ̃] = palm, hand
Old Welsh	lau = hand
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lav, law, llav, llaw = hand llaw agor, llawegor, llaw egor = generous, bountiful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaw [ɬaːu̯ / ɬau̯] = hand; authority, control, rule, management, power; ownership, possession; influence; agency, instrumentality, part; guardianship, keeping, custody, care, protection; side, direction, position; skill, touch llawagor, llawegor = generous, bountiful, liberal, open-handed, creeping thistle, water-pepper llawaid = handful llawan = little hand
Old Cornish	lof = hand
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lau, lef, lof, luef = hand lofgurchel = utensil
Cornish (Kernewek)	leuv [lœ:v / le:v] = hand leuvdosa = to massage leuvdosans = massage leuvherdhya = to hand-off leuvvedhegel = surgical leuvvedhek, leuvvedhoges = surgeon leuvwelen = baton
Old Breton	lom = hand
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lau = hand
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lav [lav] = feathered hand

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *pl̥h₂meh₂ (palm, hand). The Faroese word lámur (flipper, paw, left hand) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Old Norse lámr (hand, arm) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bostā = palm, fist
Gaulish	*bostyā = palm, fist
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bos / bas = palm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bas, bos, bass = palm of the hand basach = having hoofs or claws baslach = handful
Irish (Gaeilge)	bos = palm (of hand); handful; slap; flat end, blade bosach = bladed, flat-footed bosachán = flat-footed person bosaíl = patting, flat-footedness boslach = handful
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bas [bas] = palm (of hand), lower end of a shinty stick, eye (of a fishing hook) bas-bhualadh = clapping of hands, applause baslachadh= clapping, cupping (in one’s hands) basgar = applause, skirl (in music) baslach = handful, palmful, baptism
Manx (Gaelg)	bass = palm, flat of hand, blade of oar, scale pan, bass bassag = backhander, clap, clout, pat, slap, smack bassey = applause, clap, clapping basslagh = double handful, enough to cover palm, palmful
Proto-Brythonic	*bos [ˈbos] = hand
Old Welsh	bos = palm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bos = palm
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bos = palm (of the hand), unit of length
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	boz = hollow of the hand
Breton (Brezhoneg)	boz [ˈboːs] = hollow of the hand

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷésdos (branch) [source]. The Middle Latin word bostia (small box, reliquaire was borrowed from the Gaulish *bostyā, and became bostellus (bushel), the root of the French word boisseau (bushel, hollow cylinder), and the English word bushel [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	rig [r͈ʲiɣ] = forearm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	rig = forearm from wrist to elbow
Irish (Gaeilge)	rí [ɾˠiː] = forearm
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ruighe [r̪ˠujə] = plain, flat ground, (at base of a mountain), shieling area, forearm ruigheadh = laying out a body, shrouding, stretching out ruigheachas = tussle, armwrestling ruigheachdail = accessible
Manx (Gaelg)	roih = arm, forearm

Etymology: possibly from the Old Irish *reg (to stretch) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	brac, brach = arm, hand bracann, bracand = sleeve braccaille = glove
Irish (Gaeilge)	brac = arm (literary), bracket bracach = brachial bracaíl = brachiation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brac [braxg] = arm, curve (of a breaking wave), branch (of antlers), deer (poetic)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ureich, ureych, braich = arm
Welsh (Cymraeg)	braich [brai̯χ] = arm, care, assistance, support, power, might, strength, forelimb of animal, wing, headland, creek braich olwyn = spoke (of wheel) braich o’r môr, braich o fôr = arm of the sea, inlet braich ym mraich = arm-in-arm
Old Cornish	bregh = arm
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	brech, brêch, breh = arm brechol = sleeve
Cornish (Kernewek)	bregh [brɛ:x /bre:ʰ] = arm breghel = sleeve breghellik = bracelet
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	brech, breach, bræch = hand, paw
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brec’h = hand brec’had = handful brec’hata = to grasp round the waist, embrace

Etymology: from Latin bracchium (hand). Words from the same Latin root include brachium (upper arm) in English, bras (arm) in French, brazo (arm, branch, (tree) limb) in Spanish, and braccio (arm) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*durnos = fist
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorn = fist
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dorn, dornn, dord = hand, fist, possession, handle dornach = generous-handed dornán = fistful, handful, sheaf dornasc = bracelet dornóc = glove, mitten
Irish (Gaeilge)	dorn [d̪ˠoːɾˠn̪ˠ] = fist; punch; fistful, small quantity; handle, grip dornáil = boxing dornálaí = boxer dornán = fistful, handful, small quantity or number, small handle, grip dornóg = mitten dornúil = pugilistic
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dòrn [dɔːr̪ˠn̪ˠ] = fist; punch, hilt, handle dòrnach = fistful, boxer, pugilist dòrnadaireachd = boxing, pugilism dòrnan = small fist, handful, grip, dòrnag = fist-sized pebble/stone, oar handle, gauntlet dòrnair = boxer, pugilist dòrnlach = handful, batch
Manx (Gaelg)	doarn = fist, pad, sword handle, grip doarnane = haft, hilt, spoke, handle, hand grip, fistful doarney = box, boxing, buffet doarneyr = boxer doarneyrys = boxing (match), fighting
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	durn, dwrn,, dyrn = fist, hand, paw, hilt, handle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dwrn = fist, hand, paw, hilt, handle, haft, pommel, knob dwrn caead = clenched fist
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dorn = fist, hand, handle, hilt
Cornish (Kernewek)	dorn [dɔrn] = fist, hand, handle dorna = to bash, beat, punch, strike, thrash dornas = fistful, handful dornbel = handball dornel = manual dornlyver, dornlever = handbook dornskrif = manuscript dornweyth = handicraft
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dornn, dorn, dourn = hand dornat, dournat, dournad = handle, handful dornaff, dournaff = to beat, hit dornec = large-handed
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dorn [ˈdɔʁn] = hand, fist dornad = handle, handful dornañ = to beat, hit dornek = large-handed

Etymology: probably loaned from a non-Indo-European substrate language [source].

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

Hearing, fame & renown

20th November 201823rd September 2024 By Simon

Words for hearing, fame renown and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*klowos = hearing, fame, renown
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clú [kluː] = fame
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clú, clúu, clū = good repute, reputation, fame, good name, rumour, sound clúach = famous, famed, renowned, celebrated clúitech = famous, renowned clúmar = famous, renowned clúugud = act of singing the praises of, glorifying
Irish (Gaeilge)	clú [klˠuː] = reputation, honour, renown clúiteach = of good repute, honoured, renowned
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cliù [kluː] = reputation, repute, fame, renown, prestige; credit; glory, praise cliùteach [kluːhdʲəx] = celebrated, famous, renowned, commendable, laudable cliùteachadh [kluːdʲəxəɣ] = celebrating, praising, lauding cliùteachd [kluːhdʲəxg] = celebrity, fame, renown cliùtich [kluːhdʲɪç] = celebrate, praise, laud cliùmhor [kluː(v)ər] = famous, renowned, prestigious
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clywet, clywit, keleuuet = to hear, listen, feel, smell, taste, hearing, earshot, report
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clyw [ˈklɨu̯ / ˈklɪu̯] = hearing, earshot clywaf, clywed = to hear, listen, feel, smell, taste, hearing, earshot, report
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	clevet = the hearing clewas, clowas = to hear, perceive, feel, smell clowans = the hearing, an echo
Cornish (Kernewek)	klew [klɛˑʊ] = hearing klewansek = aesthetic klewell = hearing aid klewes = to feel, hear, perceive, sense, smell klewwelyek = audio-visual
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cleuet, claeuet, cleufuet = hearing
Breton (Brezhoneg)	klev [klew/klef] = hearing klevedenn = hearsay kleved = hearing, hearsay klevigezh = to hear, feel klevijer = acoustic klevout = to hear

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

Some words for Ears in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE roots.

Proto-Celtic	*klutom = rumour, fame, reputation
Celtiberian	*kolouton = fame (?)
Gaulish	*kl(o)uton = fame (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cloth [kluː] = fame, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cloth, clóth = report, rumour, tidings, fame, reputation, generosity
Irish (Gaeilge)	cloth [klˠuː] = report, rumour, fame, renown clothach = renowned clothaigh = to praise extol (literary)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clòth† [klˠɔː] = victory, fame, praise, wind
Proto-Brythonic	*klod = praise, fame (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clod, clot, klod = praise, fame, renown, reputation, honour, credit, famous, renowned clod ueith, clotueith = renowned, celebrated, famed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clod [ˈklɨu̯ / ˈklɪu̯] = hearing, earshot clodach = vain praise, flattery clodadwy = laudable, commendable, praiseworthy clodaf, clodi = to fill with praise, to praise clodebus = eulogistic, commendatory clodfolaf, clodfoli = to praise, eulogize, laud, extol
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	clos = glory, happiness, praise
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	clot = fame, glory
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	clot = fame, glory
Breton (Brezhoneg)	klod [kloːt] = fame, glory diglod = without glory

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlutós (famous) *ḱlew- (to hear) [source] – see above.

Manx words for fame include ard-ennym (eminence, fame, renown, title), ard-ghoo (fame, illustriousness, renown), and goo (voice, word, utterance, reputation, fame). Goo is cognate with guth (voice) in Irish and Scottish Gaelic.

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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Heads & Brains

19th November 201826th September 2024 By Simon

Words for heads, brains, minds and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kʷennom = head en-kʷennio- = brain
Gaulish	pennon, πεννο, πεννοου = head
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚒᚅᚐ-ᚉᚓᚅᚅᚔ (cuna-cenni) = dog’s head
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cenn [kʲen͈] = head, end, leader inchinn = brain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cenn, cend = head, roof, end, chief, leader cenna (adj.) = chief, principal cennacht, ceannacht = headship, supremacy, leadership cennas, cendus = headship, leadership, superiority, precedence cennide = headgear, headdress, helmet cennmar, cennmhar = big-headed cennphort = capital, chief, leader cenntromm, ceanntrom = heavy-handed inchinn, inchind = brain(s), mind, intelligence, intention
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceann [caun̪ˠ / cɑːn̪ˠ / can̪ˠ] = head; end, extremity; one; chief, main ceannas = headship, sovereignty, authority, command, forwardnewss, self-assertiveness ceannasach = ruling, sovereign, commanding, masterful, forward, self-assertive, bold, assured, dominant (chord) ceannasaí = commander, controller ceanntrom = bullying, oppression, top-heavy, sluggish, drowsy inchinn [ˈɪɲçən̠ʲ] = brain
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceann [kʲaun̪ˠ] = head, end, close, finish, lid, roof, subject, topic, leader ceann-suidhe = president ceannadair [kʲan̪ˠədɪrʲ] = leader ceannara [kʲan̪ˠər̪ˠə] = resolute, strong-headed ceannard [kʲãũn̪ˠər̪ˠd] = chief, leader, head, boss, president, headland ceannardach [kʲãũn̪ˠər̪ˠdəx] = chiefly, commanding, imperious ceannas [kʲan̪ˠəs] = presidency, rule, superiority, dominance eachainn [ɛnɛxɪn̪ʲ] = brain, brains
Manx (Gaelg)	kione [caun / coːn / coᵈn] = head, headland, chief, ringleader, bottom, poll, end, extreme, close, finish, top-end, top, point of argument, termination, closing, extremity, point, dyke, tribune kionard = chief kionnoort = chief(tain), captain, governor, ruler, prince, deputy, constable kioneys = dominance, domination, command, hegemony
Proto-Brythonic	*penn [ˈpenː] = head
Cumbric	pen = head
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	penn, pen = head, chief pennadur = ruler, chief(tain), lord, nobleman, aristocrat, prince, king, sovereign pennaethu = to act as a chief, to rule pennaytheid = chieflike, princely penryn, penrin, pennrynn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula talcen, talken = forehead, brow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pen [pɛn] = head, obverse (of coin); top, summit, roof, highest point; extremity, end, beginning; headland, promontory, projecting point of rock; pole penadur = ruler, chief(tain), lord, nobleman, aristocrat, prince, king, sovereign penaethu = to act as a chief, to rule penr(h)yn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula talcen = forehead, brow ymennydd [əˈmɛnɨ̞ð / əˈmɛnɪð] = brain, brains, intellectual capacity, mind
Old Cornish	penn = head
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pen = an extremity, end, conclusion, head, chief, beginning, the upper part, summit pencanguer = centurion (“head of 100 men”) pendevig, pensevic, pedhzhivig = prince, chief, nobleman pendruppia = to nod, shake the head penryn = promontory, cape, head-land
Cornish (Kernewek)	penn, pedn [pɛn:] = end, head, summit, top, main, premier, top pennek = big-headed pennen = buddle-head pennseviges = princess pennsevik = chief, noble, prince pennskol = university ympynnyon brain
Old Breton	penn = head, chief
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	penn, pen = head, chief pennec = big-headed, stubborn, obstinate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	penn [pɛnː] = head, chief, leader pennad [ˈpɛ.nːat] = piece, end, moment, chapter, article pennadur = authority pennan = main, dominant pennañ = to form a head, to stand up to pennek [ˈpɛnːɛk] = big-headed, stubborn, obstinate penntir [ˈpɛntiʁ] = promontory empenn = brain

Etymology: unknown. The words for brain all mean “in (the) head” [source]. The tal in Welsh talcen comes from tâl (end, extremity, top, side, edge, front), from Proto-Celtic *talu (front, forehead) – see the post about Foreheads, while the cen retains the c [k] from Proto-Celtic.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	in(n)tinn [ˈin͈ʲtʲin͈ʲ] = head, end
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	in(n)tinn = mind, view, disposition, attention, intention, will, purpose, high spirits, courage dall-inntinn = dullness, stupidity, dull, stupid, heavy
Irish (Gaeilge)	intinn [ˈiːn̠ʲtʲən̠ʲ] = mind, mental state, disposition, attention, spirits, intention, accord intinneach = willing, intent(ional), strong-willed, spirited, in high spirits
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	inntinn [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲ] = (human) mind; intellect, intelligence; intention, purpose inntinneach [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲəx] = interesting, high-minded, high-spirited, jolly, merry inntinneachd [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲəxg] = high-mindedness inntinneil = mental
Manx (Gaelg)	inchyn, inçhyn = brain, grey matter, intellect, spirit inchynagh = brainy, cerebral, intelligent, mental, witted inchynaght = intellect, intelligence ard-inchynys = brilliance co-inchynys = telepathy far-inchynaght = artificial intelligence

Etymology: from the Latin intentiō (strain, tension, increase, exertion, charge, purpose, intention), from intendō (to stretch out, strain, turn one’s attention to, focus (on), aim, direct), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ten- (to stretch, extend) [source]. Words from the same roots include tend, tent, tense, tenure and intention in English, entendre (to hear, mean) in French, tener (to have, possess, hold) in Spanish [source].

Legs & Feet

17th November 20181st October 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sacks, bags & stomachs

15th November 201820th September 2024 By Simon

Words for sack, bag, stomach in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*bolgos = sack, bag, stomach
Gaulish	*bolgā = sack, bag, stomach
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bolc = belly, stomach; bag, satchel; bellows
Irish (Gaeilge)	bolg [ˈbˠɔlˠəɡ] = belly, stomach, abdomen; bag; bulge, broad part, middle; bellows bolgach = big-bellied, bulging bolgadán = corpulent person or animal bolgán = bubble, bulb, air-bladder (of fish), puff-ball, windbag (of person) bolgchaint = ventriloquism
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bolg [bɔl̪ˠɔg] = blister, bulge, (light) bulb bolgach = abounding in bags/blisters, bellied, bulging, jutting, knobby bolgadh = billowing, puffing up/out, ballooning, swelling bolgan = (plant) bulb, lightbulb
Manx (Gaelg)	bolg [bolɡ] = stomach, abdomen, belly, tummy, corporation, bilge, bowl (of lamp) bolgagh = abdominal, bellied, billowy, blisterm bulging, puffy bolgan = bladder, blister, sac, vesicle, bubble
Proto-Brythonic	*bolɣ = sack, bag, stomach
Old Welsh	bolg = belly, stomach
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bol, boly = belly, stomach
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bol [bɔl] = belly, paunch, abdomen, stomach, bowels; tripe; appetite, desire, gluttony, liking; womb; swelling, bulge, surface, side bolio = to gorge, belly, swell, bulge, swagger boliog = (big-)bellied, corpulent, swollen, bulging, pregnant
Cornish (Kernewek)	bolgh [bɔlx] = breach, gap, opening bolghen = boll, capsule
Middle Breton	bolc’h = flax pod
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bolc’h = flax pod

Etymology
From Proto-Indo-European *bʰólǵʰ-os (skin bag, bolster), from *bʰelǵʰ- (to swell) [source]. English words from the same PIE root include bellows, belly, and bolster, via Old English and Proto-Germanic, billow via Old Norse and Proto-Germanic, foolish and folly via Old French and Latin [source], and bulge, budge and budget via Old French, Latin and Gaulish [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

Brown & Dun

22nd October 20184th May 2024 By Simon

Words for brown, dun and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dusnos = dark brown
Old Irish (Goídelc)	donn [don͈] = brown, tawny, dun; hazel (eyes), chestnut (animals)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	donn = dun, brown donnaid = to make brown or red
Irish (Gaeilge)	donn [d̪ˠɔn̪ˠ / d̪ˠuːn̪ˠ / d̪ˠəun̪ˠ] = brown, brown-haired, hard brown timber donnaigh = brown, tan, rust donnbhuí = yellowish brown, fallow, biscuit(-coloured) donnchiabhach = brown-haired donndearg = reddish brown donnfhionn = light brown donnroscach = brown-eyed donnrua = chestnut (colour), russet (cloth), bay (horse) strong>donnúchán = browning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	donn [dɔun̪ˠ ~ dɯn̪ʲə] = brown, brown-haired, brunette donn-gheal = light brown, slightly tanned donn-ruadh = bay, chestnut (coloured) donn-uaine = olive(-brown) donnachadh [dɔ̪nˠəxəɣ] = browning, making brown, tanning
Manx (Gaelg)	dhoan, dhone, doan = brown, brown-haired, hazel, swarthy, dark-skinned dhoanaghey = brown, tan doan ruy = sepia dhone-ruy = bay (colour) dhoan-ruy = chestnut
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dwnn, dwn = dun, dark red, brown
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dwn = dun, dark red, brown; swarthy, dark

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dʰews-/*dʰewh₂- (smoke, mist, haze) [source]. Words from the same root possibly include dew, dun, dusk, dust and fume in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gelos = shining, white
Gaulish	*gelā
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gel = bright, clear, white gile = brightness, whiteness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gel, geal = fair, white, bright, shining gelach = moon gelaid = to make white, bleach, make fair gelaigid = to brighten, give light to gelán = brightness, a flash, whiteness gelcaid = to whiten geldae = fair, bright
Irish (Gaeilge)	geal [ɟalˠ] = white, bright, pure, glad, happy, dear, beloved, fond gealach [ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx] = moon gealacán = white (of egg/eye) gealachán = bleaching, clothes hung out to dry gealacht = brightening gealadh = dawning, dawn, bleaching, greying, lightening of colour, gladness, fondness gealán = gleam, flash, bright spell gealánach = gleaming, flashing, bright
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geal [gʲal̪ˠ] = white, fine gealach [gʲal̪ˠəx] = moon gealachd [gʲal̪ˠəxg] = whiteness gealadh [gʲal̪ˠag] = blight, whitening, fade-in gealaich [gʲal̪ɪç] = blanch, bleach, whiten gealaichte [gʲal̪ɪçdʲə] = blanched, bleached, whitened
Manx (Gaelg)	gial = bright, clear, white, shining, snowy, light-coloured, fulgent giallagh = moon gialan = egg white giallaghey = to blanch, bleach, brighten, whiten gillid = brightness, clearness, light, lustre
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gell = bay, brown, auburn
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gell = bay, brown, auburn, orange, yellow, tawny-coloured
Cornish (Kernewek)	gell [gɛl:] = (light) brown gellburpur = puce gellrudh = auburn, russet brown gellvelyn = tawny brown
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guel(l) = bay, fawn, red
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gell [ˈɡɛlː] = bay, brown, ripe, exhausted gellaat [ɡɛˈlɑːt] = to make or become brown gellan, gellañ = = to brown, ripen gelleg = bay colour

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰelh₂os, from *ǵʰelh₂- (to shine) [source]. English words from the same PIE roots include arsenic, gall, gild, gild, gold and yellow [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gurmos = dun, dark, blue
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gorm = blue, dark, green
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gorm = (deep) blue, green, dark, swarthy, black
Irish (Gaeilge)	gorm [ˈɡɔɾˠəmˠ] = blue, dyeing-blue; azure, dark-blue; livid, purple goirme = blueness gormaigh, gormú = to colour blue, become blue gormchló = blue-print gormghlas = blue-green, sea-green, aquamarine gormroscach, gormshúileach = blue-eyed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gorm [gɔrɔm] = blue; green, verdant; green, inexperienced, wet (behind the ears) gorm-ghlas = azure, cerulean, dapple grey (horse) gorm_shùileach = blue-eyed (person) gorm-uaine = blue-green gormachadh [gɔrɔməxəɣ] = making blue or grey gormailean = blue-eyed person, highly naive person muc-ghorm = blue whale
Manx (Gaelg)	gorrym = blue, black, dark-skinned gormaghey = blue, cyanosis gorrymaghey = blue gorrym dorraghey = dark blue bane-ghorrym = light blue doo-ghorrym = navy blue
Proto-Brythonic	*gurm = dun, dark, blue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gurum, gurim, gwrym, gurem = brown, dark-brown gwrymde, gurym de = dark-blue, greyish-blue, swarthy, wearing mourning gwrymseirch, gwrmseirch, gurumseirch = dark-blue armour or harness, horse-trappings, traces
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwrm, gwrwm = brown, dark-brown, reddish, greyish-brown, dark-grey, dark, dusky, black, dark-blue, blue gwr(w)mder = blackness, duskiness, murkiness, mist gwr(w)mdde = dark-blue, greyish-blue, swarthy, wearing mourning gwr(w)mddu = dusky, blackish, black garment gwr(w)mseirch, gwrymseirch = dark-blue armour or harness, horse-trappings, traces
Cornish (Kernewek)	gorm [gɔrm] = (dark/dull) brown
Old Breton	uurm-haelon = with dark brows

Etymology: uncertain – possibly from a non-Indo-European substrate [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

Red

21st October 201813th February 2024 By Simon

Words for red in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dergos = red, crimson
Old Irish (Goídelc)	derg [dʲerɡ] = red dergaid = to redden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	derg, derc = red, ruddy, bloody, sanguinary, red-hot, incandescent dergadas = to redden dergaid = to redden, make red, kindle, burn dergaide = reddish derge = redness, ruddiness, flushing dergthach = red, ruddy, hot, reddish
Irish (Gaeilge)	dearg [ˈdʲaɾˠəɡ / ˈdʲæɾˠəɡ] = red, rouge, red ink, glowing, raw, bloody deargadh = reddening, blushing, glow(ing), light(ing), bloodying, wounding, chafing, soil-turning, digging deargán = red matter or object, chafed, patch, glow dearglasta = blazing, red-hot
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dearg [dʲɛrɛg] = red, ruddy, flamming, red-hot dearg-amadan = bloody fool, complete idiot dearg-bhuidhe = orange dearg-lasrach [dʲɛrɛg l̪ˠasrəx] = flaming red, red hot deargachadh [dʲɛrɛgəxəɣ] = reddening, making an impression, blushing, drawing blood dearg-ruadh = bright red (hair, wool, etc)
Manx (Gaelg)	jiarg = red, sanguine, ruddy, bloodshot, rouge, gules, glowing, stark, florid, live, burning, abandoned, fair (intensive), turned (land) jiargey = chafe, sore, red jiargaghey = to blush, flush, glow, redden, blushing, glowing jiargid = grossness, reddishness, redness jiarg-bwee = orange jiarg-cheh = red hot jirgid = blush, glow, reddness, ruddiness

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *dʰerg- (to dim, darken) [source]. The English word dark comes from the same root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*roudos = red
Gaulish	*roudos = red
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rúad [r͈uːa̯ð] = red, reddish rúadnaid = to redden forrúad = red, russet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rúad = red, brownish, dark red, strong, mighty rúadnaid = to make red, redden
Irish (Gaeilge)	rua [ɾˠuə] = red, reddish-browm, russet, copper-brown; wild, fierce; rough, strong ruachan = reddening, rusting (vegetation ruachorcra = puce ruacht = redness (of hair) ruafholtach = red-haired
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ruadh [r̪ˠuəɣ] = (browny) red, rust-coloured, ginger, russet, red colour, redness; strength; red deer ruadhachadh [r̪ˠuə.əxəɣ] = reddening, making red ruadhan [r̪ˠuəɣan] = reddishness, overcooked good, tea which has been boiling all day ruadh-bhuidhe = auburn
Manx (Gaelg)	ruy [rɛi/riː] = red, ginger, tan, copper-complexioned, red-haired, foxy, sandy ruyagh = reddish ruyghey = bronze, brown, redden, tan(ned) ruyid = brownness, reddishness, redness, tan ruissagh = florid, reddish, rose-coloured, rosy, ruddy ruissaght = reddishness, rosiness, ruddiness
Proto-Brythonic	*rʉð = red
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	rud = red
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rud, rut, rhudd = red, ruddy rudit, rutaỽ, rudaỽ, rhuddo = to make or become red, crimson or violet rudell, ruddell = red, reddish rutem, rud em, rudem = ruby, garnet, ruby-coloured rudcoch, rruddgoch, rudgoch = red, crimson, purple, blood-red, bloody ruddlas, ryddlas = reddish-blue, purple, violet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhudd = red, ruddy, purplish, bay, tawny, brown, bloody, covered with blood, scorched, crimson, violet, purple rhuddaf, rhuddo = to make or become red, crimson or violet rhuddel(l) = red, reddish, brown, bay, red ochre, red colour rhuddem = ruby, garnet, ruby-coloured rhuddgoch = red, crimson, purple, blood-red, bloody rhuddiad = becoming red or pink, blushing, redness rhuddlas = reddish-blue, purple, violet
Old Cornish	rud = red
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	rudh, rud, rûdh ruydh = red, crimson
Cornish (Kernewek)	rudh [ry:ð / ri:ð] = ginger, red rudh min = lipstick rudhek = robin rudhel = auburn, russet red rudhem = ruby rudhgogh = blood-red rudhik = reddish rudhlas = purple, reddish purple rudhlasdu = crimson rudhlos = greyish red, russet rudhvelyn = orange, reddish orange rudhwyn = gay, pink, reddish pink rudhya = to blush, redden
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	rud = red
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ruz, ru, rus = red
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ruz = red ruzded = redness ruzdu = brown ruzellat = to glow ruzian, ruziañ = to blush

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁rewdʰ- (red). Words from the same root include red, robust, ruby, ruddy, russet and rust in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	kokko-/kokki = red
Proto-Brythonic	*kox = red
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coch = red cochi, kochi = to make or become red, redden, brown, scorch, blush cochder, cochter, kochder = redness, ruddiness, flush kochdduy, coch-ddu, cochddû = reddish-black, russet, brown cochliw = red-coloured, bloody, redness, ruddiness kochwen = reddish-white, pink coghyn, kochyn, cochen = red-haired person, hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coch [koːχ] = red, redness, ruddy, scarlet, bloody; ginger (hair); brown; poor, feeble, unskilful cochaf, cochi = to make or become red, redden, brown, scorch, blush cochaidd = reddish, ruddy, bloody cochder = redness, ruddiness, flush cochddu = reddish-black, russet, brown cochfelyn = copper-coloured, reddish yellow cochlas = purple, violet, reddish blue cochliw = red-coloured, bloody, redness, ruddiness cochliwaf, cochliwio = to paint red cochrudd = crimson, ruddy cochwyn = reddish-white, pink cochyn = red-haired person, hare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	coch, couch = red, bloody
Cornish (Kernewek)	kogh = blood-red, crimson, scarlet

Etymology: from the Latin coccum (a scarlet berry), from the Ancient Greek κόκκος (kókkos – berry). This is also the root of coccinus (scarlet, scarlet-dyed), from which comes the English word cochineal, and related words in other languages [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wlannos = blood red
Old Irish (Goídelc)	flann = red, blood-red
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	flann, fland [flan͈] = red, blood-red, blood
Irish (Gaeilge)	flann = (blood-)red, bloody, sanguinary, blood (poetic) flannbhuí = orange (colour) flanndearg = vermilion flannrua = blood-red
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	flann [fl̪ˠaun̪ˠ] = blood (archaic) flann-dhearg = blood-red (archaic)

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *welh₃- (to strike, hit, wound). Words from the same roots include vulnerable, valkyrie and Valhalla in English [source] and words for blood in Celtic languages.

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

Yellow & Gold

18th October 20184th March 2024 By Simon

Words for yellow and gold and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*bodyos = yellow
Gaulish	Bayos = proper name* Bodyokasses = Baiocasses (a Celtic tribe of Gallia Lugdunensis*)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	buide [ˈbuðʲe] = yellow, yellowness, buttercup, honey, pollen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	buide = yellow, yellowness, yellow hue buidecán, buigheacan = (egg) yolk buidecht = yellowness buidid = to become yellow buidigid = to make yellow
Irish (Gaeilge)	buí [bˠiː] = yellow, sallow, tan buíbhallach = spotted with yellow buíbhán = light yellow, cream-coloured buíbreac = speckled with yellow buígh = yellow, tan buíochan = yellowing buíochán = jaundice buíochánach = jaundiced buíocht = yellowness, sallowness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	buidhe [bujə] = yellow, golden buidhe-dhonn, buidhe-ruadh = auburn buidhe-shoilleir = amber buidheagan [bujagan] = (egg) yolk buidhich [bujɪç] = ripen (of cereals)
Manx (Gaelg)	buigh, bwee = yellow, jaundiced, tan, sallow, fair headed buighaghey = to yellow, jaundice buighaghey = yellowing, jaundice

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bodyos (yellow) [source]. Related to the English word bay (tree, leaf) ( [source].

Proto-Celtic	*melinos = yellow
Proto-Brythonic	*melino- = yellow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	melen, melin, melyn = yellow, golden, gold; yellow-haired, blond melynu = to be or become yellow or golden melynoc, mylynog = yellowhammer, yellow bunting, goldfinch, linnet melyn wy, melyn wi = yolk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	melyn [ˈmɛlɨ̞n / ˈmɛlɪn] = yellow, golden, (made of) gold; yellow-haired, blond; light-bay (horse); yellow, sallow, livid, or brown (skin); brown (sugar); deadly, implacable, unpleasant melynaf, melynu = to be or become yellow or golden melynaidd = yellowish, golden, sallow melynddu = yellowish-brown, dark yellow, tawny, russet, roan, swarthy, dusky melynog = yellowhammer, yellow bunting, goldfinch, linnet, canary melynwy = yolk
Old Cornish	milin = yellow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	melyn, melen, milin = yellow, the colour of honey melynoy = egg yolk
Cornish (Kernewek)	melyn [‘mɛlɪn / ‘mɛlən ] = yellow, fair, blonde melyn oy = egg yolk melynrudh = orange, yellowish orange
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	melen = yellow, blonde melen vy = egg yolk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	melen = yellow, blonde melen-vi = egg yolk melenaat = to become / make yellow, to turn blond melenadur = yellowing melenard = a person with a yellow complexion melenin, meleniñ = to yellow

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mélit (honey) [source], words from the same PIE root include mulch and melleous (pertaining to honey) in English, and words for honey in Celtic and other European languages [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ór = gold ordae = golden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ór = gold órda, órdae = made of gold, golden, resembling gold
Irish (Gaeilge)	òr [oːɾˠ] = gold óraigh = to gild órbhuí = golden (colour) órbhuille = gold leaf órghréas = (gold) filigree órphlátáilte = gold-plated
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òr [ɔːr] = gold òir-cheàrd = goldsmith òr-bhuidhe = gold-coloured, auburn òr-ubhal = orange (fruit) òradh [ɔːrəɣ] = gilding, gilt, gold digging òrail / òra [ɔːral/ɔːrə] = gold(en), gilded
Manx (Gaelg)	airh = gold, bullion, gilt oar = gold airhey = to gild; gilt, gilt-edged, golden airh ghlen = pure gold airhoil = auriferous, aurous, looking like gold
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eur, aur = gold(en) eurir, eurha, euraw = to gild, adorn with gold, make golden eureyt, eureit, euraid = golden, brilliant, splendid, glorious, precious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aur [aɨ̯r/ai̯r] = gold, gold money or coin(s), wealth; gold (colour); gold(en) euraf, euro = to gild, adorn with gold, make golden euraid = golden, brilliant, splendid, glorious, precious euraidd = golden, precious, illustrious, refined, virtuous
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	our = gold ourlyn = silk
Cornish (Kernewek)	owr [ɔʊr] = gold, red-gold owraval = orange owrbesk, owrbysk = goldfish owrek = golden owrlin = silk
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	aour = gold aourek = (deposit of) gold aourfebrer = goldsmith aourin, aouriñ = to brown aourra = to look for gold aourraer = gold panning
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aour = gold aourek = (deposit of) gold aourfebrer = goldsmith aourin, aouriñ = to brown aourra = to look for gold aourraer = gold panning

Etymology: from Latin aureus (gold, golden, gilded), from aurum (gold), from Proto-Italic *auzom (gold), from PIE *h₂é-h₂us-óm (gold), from *h₂ews- (to dawn, become light, become red). Words from the same PIE roots include air, aura, auriferous (gold-bearing), aurora, Australia, and east in English [source].

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

Silver & Money

18th October 201827th February 2024 By Simon

Words for silver, money and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*argantom = silver
Gaulish	*arangto- / argantom** = silver
Celtiberian	arkanta / arkato- = silver
Old Irish (Goídelc)	argat [ˈarɡad] = silver, money airgdide = silver
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	argat = silver, currency, money airgdide = (made of ) silver airgetlach = mine
Irish (Gaeilge)	airgead [ˈaɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ / ˈæɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ] = silver, money, sum of money airgeadaí = financier airgeadaigh = to silver, electroplate airgeadaíocht = monetary policy, management airgeadas = finance airgeadóir = cashier, (bank) teller airgeadra = currency airgeadúil = silvery, financial, moneyed, profitable
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	airgead [ɛrʲɛgʲəd] = money, silver, cash, currency airgead-beò = mercury (Me), quicksilver airgead-làimhe = cash airgead-urrais = insurance airgeadach [ɛrʲɛgʲədəx] = silver(y), well-off, moneyed, lucrative airgeadachadh = silvering, silverplating, monetizing airgeadaichte [ɛrʲɛgədɪçdʲə] = silvered airgeadas [ɛrʲɛgʲədəs] = finance airgeadra [ɛrʲɛgʲədrə] = currency
Manx (Gaelg)	argid = money, silver, coinage, wages, finance, exchequer argidagh = fiscal, moneyed, financier, (the) rich, silver(ed) argidaghey = silver, silver plate argid-roie, argid cadjin = currency argideyr = cashier, financier, teller argidoil = financial, monetary argidys = finance
Proto-Brythonic	*arɣant [arˈɣant] = silver, money
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	argant = silver
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aryant, ariant, arian = silver arandûy, ariandy = bank arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna, aryanna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance aryanheyt, areanneit, aryaneit = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arian [ˈarjan] = silver, silvery; silver vessel; money, coin(s), coinage, currency, wealth arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannaf, ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance, silver, inlay, plate ariannaid = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed arianneg = financial management, finance Ariannin = Argentinia, Argentinian ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y) ariannwr, ariannydd = cashier, financier, banker, sponsor
Old Cornish	argan, arʒant, argans = silver
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	archans, arhans, arrans = silver
Cornish (Kernewek)	arghans [‘arhans / ‘ærhɐnz] = money, silver arghans bew/byw = quicksilver arghansek = financial, silvery arghanser, arghansores = banker arghans-gweres = subsidy arghanti = bank Arghantina = Argentina
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	argant = silver
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	archant = silver
Breton (Brezhoneg)	arc’hant [ˈar.ɣãnt] = silver, money arc’hantadur = silvering arc’hantaj = silverware arc’hantan, arc’hantañ = to silver, realize (in money), capitalize, sponsor, convert arc’hantek = silver (adj) arc’hanter = silverer arc’hantiri = silverware arc’hantus = money-producing, lucrative, capitalizable

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂erǵn̥tom (silver), from *h₂erǵ- (white, glittering) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include Argentina and argentous (of, pertaining to or containing silver) in English, արծաթ (arcatʿ – silver) in Armenian, argento (silver) in Italian, argent (silver, money, cash) in French [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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Gaulish

Backs & Ridges

Fists, Palms, Hands & Arms

Hearing, fame & renown

Heads & Brains

Legs & Feet

Sacks, bags & stomachs

Brown & Dun

Red

Yellow & Gold

Silver & Money