Quintuple

23rd May 202323rd May 2023 By Simon

Words for five and related things in Celtic languages:

five

Proto-Celtic	kʷenkʷe = five kʷenkʷetos = fifth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cóic [koːɡʲ] = five cóiced [ˈkoːɡʲeð] = fifth cóicer = five people, five things coíca = fifty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cóic, cúic = five cóiced, cúced, coigid = fifth cóicer, cóicir, cuicir = five people/things cóic deac = fifteen coíca, coícad, cóic deich = fifty
Irish (Gaeilge)	cúig [kuːɟ] = five cúigiú [kuːˈɟuː/ˈkuːɟu] = fifth cúigear [ˈkuːɟəɾˠ] = five people/things cúige = one of five divisions of Ireland, province caoga = fifty cúigbhliantúil = five-yearly, quinquennial cúigchodach = fivefold, quintuple cúigréad = quintet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	còig [koːgʲ] = five còigeamh(5ᵐʰ) fifth (4ᵗʰ)) còignear [koːgʲn̪ʲər] = five (people) còigearan [koːgʲəran] = quintuplet còig-fillte = quintuple, fivefold caogad [kɯːgəd] = fifty
Manx (Gaelg)	queig [kwɛɡ] = five queigagh, queigoo = fifth queigad = fifty queigin, queig-lhiatteean = pentagon queigane = quintuplet queig-filley = quintuple, five-fold
Proto-Brythonic	pɨmp [pɨmp] = five pɨmped [pɘmˈpɛːd] = fifth
Gaulish	pimpe, pempe = five pimpetos = fifth
Old Welsh	pimp = five petguaret = fifth pimmunt = fifty
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pimp, pym(p), pvmp, pum(p) = five pimphet, pemhet, pimhed, pymhed, pymhet = fifth pymthec = fifteen pymwnt, pumhwnt, pemhwnt, pummwnt = fifty pvmplyc, pymplyg, pumplyg = quintuple, fivefold
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pump [pɨ̞mp/pɪmp] = five pumed [pɛdˈwɛrɨ̞ð] (5ed) = fifth pumplyg = quintuple, fivefold, folded five times pumpunt = five pounds, five-pound note, fiver pedwaraid = set of five, fivesome pumseiniol = pentatonic (music)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pymp, pemp = five pympes = fifth pymthec, pemdhac = fifteen
Cornish (Kernewek)	pymp = five pympes, pempes = fifth pymthek, pemdhek = fifteen pympbys, pempbes = starfish (“five finger”)
Old Breton	pemp = five
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pemp, puemb = five pempet, peempet, pempvet = fifth pempaat = to group into five pempkement = quintuple pempkementiñ = to quintuple pempkogneg = pentagon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pemp [pɛmp/pɛ̃mp] = five pemp(v)et = fifth pemzek = fifteen pempad = quintet pempkorneg = pentagon

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *pénkʷe (five) [source].

English words from the same roots include five, fifth, fifty, fifty, quintet, and words beginning with penta-, such as pentathlon and pentameter [source].

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

Fourfold

18th May 202324th June 2023 By Simon

Words for four and related things in Celtic languages:

four

Proto-Celtic	kʷetwares = four kʷetwariyos = fourth
Gaulish	petru, petuar = four petuarios = fourth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cethair [ˈkʲeθirʲ] = four cethramad [ˈkʲeθraṽað] = fourth cethracha = forty cethrar = four people cethardúil = four elements
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cethair = four cethramad = fourth cethrar = four people cethracha = forty cetharchair = four-sided, square, rectangular cethairríad = four-wheeled chariot or carriage cethardenus = space of four days cethardóit = group of four cetharaird = the four points of the compass, the four quarters, the world, universe
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceathair [ˈcahəɾʲ/ˈcæɾʲ] = four, quadruped ceithre [ˈcɛɾʲə/ˈçɛɾʲə] = four ceathrar [ˈcahɾˠəɾˠ/cæːɾˠ] = four people ceathracha = forty ceathrú [cahˈɾˠuː] = quarter, thigh, quatrain ceathrúnach = quartermaster ceathairbhliantúil = quadrennial ceathairchodach = fourfold, quadruple ceathairchosach = fourfooted, quadruped ceathairéad = quartet ceathairfhillte = quarto, fourfold
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceithir [kʲehɪrʲ] = four ceathramh [kʲɛrəv] (4mh) fourth (4th) ceathrar [kʲɛrər] = four (people) ceathrad [kʲɛrəd] = forty cairteal [kar̪ˠʃdʲal] = quarter; quarters, lodgings ceithir-chasach = quadruped, four-legged animal ceithir-cheàrnach = quadrilateral ceithir-fillte = quadruple, fourfold, four-ply
Manx (Gaelg)	kiare [kʲeːə(r)] = four, foursome, quartet kiarroo, (yn) chiarroo = (the) fourth kerroo = fourth, quarter, quatrain kiarad = forty kiare-fillagh, kiare-filley = fourfold, quadruple kiare-lhiatteeagh, kiare-lhiatteean = four-sided, quadrilateral kiare-chassagh = four-footed, four-legged, quadruped
Proto-Brythonic	pedwar [pɛdˈwaːr] = four pėdwėrɨð [pe̝dwe̝ˈrˑɨːð] = fourth
Old Welsh	petguar = four petguaret = fourth
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pedwar, peduar = four (m) pedeyr, pedair, pedeir = four (f) pedweryd = fourth (m) pedwyred = fourth (m) pedwar deg, pedeir deg = fourteen pedwar/pedeir ar bymthec = nineteen pedwar ugein(t) = eighty
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pedwar [ˈpɛdwar] = four (m) pedair [ˈpɛdai̯r/ˈpeːdai̯r] = four (f) pedwerydd [pɛdˈwɛrɨ̞ð] (4ydd) = fourth (m) pedwaredd [pɛdˈwarɛð] (4edd) = fourth (f) pedwarplyg = quadruple pedwaraf, pedwaru = to divide into four, quarter pedwaraid = set of four, foursome pedwar ar ddeg = fourteen pedwar ar bymtheg = nineteen pedwar deg = forty pedwar ugain = eighty
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	peswar = four (m) pedar = four (f) peswere, pyswere = fourth peswardhec, pazawardhak = fourteen padzhar iganz = eighty padzhar iganz ha deg = ninety
Cornish (Kernewek)	peswar, pajar = four (m) peder = four (f) peswora, pajwora = fourth peswartrosek = fourfooted peswardhek = fourteen peswar ugens = eighty
Old Breton	petguar = four petguare = fourth
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	peuar, puar = four peuare, pevare = fourth peuarzec, pévarzecq, piarzeg = fourteen peuaruguent, pêver huguent, pévar uguent = eighty pevar-benveg = quartet pevarc’hartier = to cut in quarters pévar c’hemend = quadruple pevar(-)c’hementi(ñ) = to quadruple
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pevar = four (m) peder = four (f) pevare = fourth pevarved = fourth (m) pedervet = fourth (f) pevarzek = fourteen pevar-ugent = eighty pevarad = quartet pevarzuek = quadrilatéral

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres (four) and *kʷetwr̥yós (fourth) [source].

English words from the same roots include four, quarter, quart, quartet, quaruple, and words beginning with tetra-, such as tetradecimal (a 14-base counting system) [source].

Threesome

15th May 202313th July 2023 By Simon

Words for three and related things in Celtic languages:

three

Proto-Celtic	trīs = three tritiyos = third (in a sequence) trisano- = third (fraction*)
Celtiberian	Tiriś = three
Gaulish	treis = three (m) tiđres = three (f)
Lusitanian	*trīs = three
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tri, trí [tʲrʲiː] = three tress = third (in a sequence) trían = third (fraction) tríar = three (people) tréide = three things trédenus = three days tréimse = three months
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trí = three tress = third (in a sequence), one of three trímad = third (in a sequence) trían = third (fraction) tríar = three persons, trio, three things tréimse = three months, a quarter (of a year)
Irish (Gaeilge)	trí [tʲɾʲiː] = three tríú [tʲɾʲiːuː] = third (in a sequence), third part triúr [tʲɾʲuːɾˠ] = three (people) triantán = triangle triantánacht = trigonometry triantánaigh = to triangulate tríoiseach = three-dimensional
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trì [triː] = three treas [tres] (3ˢ) third (3ʳᵈ) treasamh (3ᵐʰ) third (3ʳᵈ) triùir [truːrʲ] = three (people) trì-fillte = triple, threefold, three-ply trian [triən] = third (part) triantan [triəndan] = triangle iantanachd [iantanachd] = trigonometry
Manx (Gaelg)	tree [t̪riː] = three troor = three (people), threesome, triad, Trinity, trio, trinity treeoo, trass = third trooane, troorane = triangle
Proto-Brythonic	tri [triː] = three (m) teir = three (f) trɨdɨð [trɨˈdɨːð] = third (m) trɨdeð = third (f)
Old Welsh	tri [triː] = three (m) teir = three (f) tritid = third (in a sequence) trean = third (fraction)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tri = three (m) teir, tair = three (f) trited, trydet, trydyd = third teir coglaỼc, trichonglaỼc, trichongloc = triangular, three-cornered trydeblyc, tridyblic = three times, threefold, triple
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tri [triː] = three (m), tair [tai̯r] = three (f) triawd = trio, threesome, triology, triple trichorn = three-horned, three-cornered, tricorn hat tric(h)onglog = triangular, three-cornered tri deg = thirty tridyblyg = three times, threefold, triple, triplicate trionglyn = triangle trydydd (3ydd) = third (m) trydedd (3edd) = third (f) teirgwaith = three times, thrice, on three occasions
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tri, trei = three (m) teir, teyr = three (f) triddydh = the space of three days tridzha = third trihans = three hundred trindas, trinsys = Trinity triugans = three score, sixty trivorh = three-pronged
Cornish (Kernewek)	tri, trei = three (m) trei = three (f) tredhek, terdhek = thirteen tressa, tryja = third triasen = triplet trihorn = triangle tryflek = threefold, triple teyrgweyth = three times
Old Breton	tri = three
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tri, try = three (m) teir, teyr = three (m) tri-c’hard = three quarters tri-ugent = sixty tri-chant = three hundred triad = trio, group of three tric’hogn, tricoign, tric’horn = triangle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tri = three (m) teir [ˈte.iʁ] = three (f) trived (m) teirved (f) = third trizek = thirteen tri-ugent = sixty trifarzh = three quarters tric’horn, tric’hogn = triangle

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tréyes (three – m) and *tisres (three – f) [source].

English words from the same roots include tertiary, three, thrice, three, triad, tripod, triple and triplex [source].

Top Peaks

20th April 202320th April 2023 By Simon

Words for top, peaks and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*barros = top, point, peak
Gaulish	Cunobarrus = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	barr = abundance, crop, crown, surplus, top, top, tree-top
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	barr = top, tip, end, crop, produce, climax, end, crown, supremacy, preeminence, transcendence
Irish (Gaeilge)	barr [bˠɑːɾˠ] = tip, point, top, summit, upper part, surface, crop, yield, result, addition, excess, superiority, extremity barrachas = predominance, surplus barradh = hindrance barraí = champion, superior person, arrogant person, bully barraicín = tip, toe (of foot, stocking), toe-cap barraíocht = excess
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàrr [baːr̪ˠ] = apex, crest, crown, summit, tip, top, zenith, surface, crop, produce, cream, son barrachd = more, predominance, preponderance barraidheachd = more, predominance, preponderance barran = crest, hood, band(age), swaddling clothes
Manx (Gaelg)	baare = apex, cap, climax, end, point, summit, tip, top, crest (of a wave), curl, interval, ruin, bare, film on milk, surface, crown baarey = to bare, clip, dress, poll, prune, shave; trimmed
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	barr, bar [bar] = top, summit crest
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bar [bar] = head, top, summit, crest, bush, tuft, branch barbiaf, barbio = to trim, shave
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bar = top, summit, branch
Cornish (Kernewek)	barr = summit
Old Breton	barr = branch, summit, ridge, peak
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	barr, bar = branch, summit, ridge, peak
Breton (Brezhoneg)	barr = summit, surface, access, paroxysm

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰr̥s-ó-s, from *bʰers- (point, top, tip). Words from the same PIE roots include barley in English, farine (flour) in French, bara (bread) in Welsh, Cornish and Breton, bairín (loaf) in Irish, and related words in Celtic languages [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish, include baràz (bramble) in Romansh, barra (garret, loft, upper platform) in Galician [source].

Leaves

8th April 2023 By Simon

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dʰelh₁- (to grow). Words from the same roots include դալար (dalar – green, verdant, young) in Armenian, dal (I exit, go out, leave) in Albanian, and θάλλω (thállō – to bloom, sprout, grow) in Ancient Greek, [source].

Sweet and Gentle

23rd March 202324th April 2023 By Simon

Words for dear, gentle, sweet and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*koimos = dear, nice
Gaulish	Coemo = name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáem [koːi̯ṽ] = beloved, dear, fair, lovely, friend, noble caíme = beauty, loveliness, charity, kindliness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cáem, cáomh = dear, precious, beloved, belonging to the family; fair, beautiful, lovely cáemach = a noble cáemaid = treats kindly, is gracious towards, cherishes cáemaigid = to make smooth cáemdae = fair, beautiful cáemthach = friend, companion; company, companionship
Irish (Gaeilge)	caomh [keːvˠ/kiːvˠ/kiːw] = dear one, companion, gentle, noble, person, dear, mild, pleasant, lovely, smooth caomhantas = conservation, preservation caoimhe = gentleness, mildness, sweetness, loveliness, smoothness caomhach = attendant, protective caomhnaí = companion caoimhnaigh to cherish, preserve, conserve, protect caomhnóir = guardian, protector, patron caomhnú = preservation, conservation, protection macaomh = young person, youth, boy, lad, cub (scout)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caomh [kɯːv] = kind, gentle, tender, beloved; kindness, gentleness, friend, beloved, object caomhnadh [kɯ̃ːvnəɣ] = saving, conservation, economising, reserving, booking, reservation, sparing caomhnachas [kɯ͂vnəxəs] = economy, frugality caomhail [kɯːval] = friendly, gentle, kind caomhan [kɯːvan] = kind/mild-mannered person, nobleman caomhag [kɯːvag] = affectionate/gentle woman, lass(ie) caomhalachd [kɯːvəl̪ˠəxg] = kindness caomhradh [kɯ̃ːvra] = euphemism caomh-chompanach = bosom friend/pal
Proto-Brythonic	*kʉβ̃ = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ku, cu, cû = dear, beloved kideb, kudeb = fondness, affection, dearness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cu [kɨː/kiː] = dear, beloved, amiable, pleasant, precious, beautiful; dear one, precious thing cuaidd = loving, affectionate, precious cudeb, cudab = fondness, affection, dearness cudeg = fair and amiable cuder = fondness, affection mamgu = grandmother tadcu = grandfather
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cuf, cûf = dear, amiable, beloved, loving cuef = dear, kindly
Cornish (Kernewek)	kuv = affectionate, amiable, amicable, dear, kind, kindly, pleasant; beloved, darling kuv kolon = sweetheart kuvder = kindness
Old Breton	cum = bright, brilliant, light, candle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cuff, cûn, cuñ, kunv = affable, soft, sweet, gentle, mild cuffhat, cuñhaat, kuñvaat = to become affable cuffhadur, cuñhadur, kuñvadur = affability, moral sweetness cuffheat, kuneet, kuñvaet = softened, soothed
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kuñv [ˈkỹː] = benign, mild kuñvded = mildness tad-kuñv = great grandfather mab-kuñv = great grandson moereb-kuñv = great aunt

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology uncertain [source].

The name Kevin comes from the Irish name Caoimhín [ˈkiːvʲiːnʲ] from the Middle Irish Caoimhghin [ˈkəiṽʲʝiːnʲ] from the Old Irish Cóemgein [ˈkoiṽʲɣʲinʲ], (also written Cáemgein/Cǽimgen), from cáem (beloved, dear) and gein (birth). Variants include Kevan, from the Irish diminutive version Caoimheán, and Caoimhe (anglicised as Keeva or Kweeva), a feminie version [source].

Versions of Kevin in other Celtic languages include Caomhan in Scottish Gaelic, Keveen in Manx, and Cefin in Welsh.

Proto-Celtic	kanis/kani- = good, nice
Old Irish (Goídelc)	caín [ˈkaːi̯nʲ] = fine, good, fair, beautiful, lovely caíngním [ˈkaːi̯nʲɣʲnʲiːṽ] = good deed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	caín = fine, good, fair, beautiful, soft, smooth, clement
Irish (Gaeilge)	caoin [kiːnʲ] = smooth, delicate, gentle, refined caoinbhéas = gentle, decent, habit caoinbhéasach = gentle-mannered, decent caoindéanta = fine, delicate (feature/figure) caoine = smoothness, gentleness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caoin [kɯːn̪ʲ] = kind, mild, pleasant gentle, tender, delightful; dry, seasoned (hay) caoin-bheusach = refined feur-caoin = hay
Manx (Gaelg)	keain = sweet-tempered, tender (memory)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cein, kein = fine, fair, beautiful; the first and best liquor brought to the hall
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cain [kai̯n] = fine, fair, beautiful, bright, excellent, refined cain wybodau, celfau cain = belles lettres, fine arts
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	qan, qen, quen = beautiful, brilliant
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ken = beautiful, brilliant

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: unknown, possibly from a non-Proto-Indo-European language [source]

Baskets

24th February 202324th February 2023 By Simon

Words for baskets and related things in Celtic languages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Region and Country

25th January 20238th December 2024 By Simon

Words for region, country and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*mrogis = border(land), march, mark; region, country, territory, province
Gaulish	*brogis = border(land) (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mruig [mruɣʲ] = cultivated land; march, borderland, country, territory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bruig = land, cultivated land, holding, region, district, border, (farm)house, abode, hall, mansion, castle
Irish (Gaeilge)	brugh = dwelling, mansion brughaidh = landowner, hosteler
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brugh [bruh] = broch, fortified tower, large house, mansion, fairy mound, underground house brughadair [bru.ədɪrʲ] = broch dweller, fairy mound dweller, elf brughaire [bru.ɪrʲə] = inhabitant of a fairy mound
Manx (Gaelg)	brogh = broch
Proto-Brythonic	*broɣ [ˈbroːɣ] = country, region, territory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bro = region, country, land
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bro [broː] = region, country, land, neighbourhood, native haunt; border, limit, boundary, march; vale, lowland broaidd = pleasant like a vale
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bro = country, region, land, territory, coast
Cornish (Kernewek)	bro = country, land
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bro = country, nation, region broa = to return to the country broad = inhabitants, compatriots broadel = national Bro-C’hall = France Bro-Gernev = Cornwall Bro-Saoz = England Bro-Skos = Scotland
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bro [broː] = counry(-side) broadadur = naturalization broadeladur = nationalisation broadelañ = to naturalize (a person) Bro-C’hall = France Bro-Saoz = England Bro-Skos = Scotland

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *morǵ- (frontier, border). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish and Latin, include brolo (vegetable garden, orchard, grove) in Italian, and breuil (wood, copse, coppice) in French [source].

Words from the same PIE root include margin, mark (boundary, border, frontier) and march (a border region) in English, and marge (margin, markup) in French, margine (margin, border, edge) in Italian, and margen (margin, edge, leeway) in Spanish [source], Mark (a fortified border area, marches) in German, mark (field) in Danish, and marg (march, boundary) in Irish (via Old Norse) [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, Dictionnaire de la langue gauloise, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Scotland

17th January 202322nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for Scotland and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*albiyū = luminous world, upper world, world; high mountain, alp; alpine pasture, Britain
Gaulish	Albiorix = place name Albiorica = place name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	Albu [ˈalbu] = Scotland, Britain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealgcausecause)	Albu = Scotland, Britain Albanach = an inhabitant of Albu, Scottish
Irish (Gaeilge)	Alba [ˈalˠəbˠə] = Scotland (dated) Albain [ˈaləbˠənʲ] = Scotland Gaeilge na hAlban = Scottish Gaelic Albainis = Scots (language) Albanach = Scotsman, Scot, Scottish Albain Nua = Nova Scotia
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	Alba [ˈal̪ˠabə] = Scotland Albannach = Scot, Scotsman, Scottish Albinish = Scots (language) Gàidhlig (na hAlba) = Scottish Gaelic Alba Nuadh = Nova Scotia
Manx (Gaelg)	Nalbin, Albin, Albey = Scotland Albinagh = Scots, Scotch, Scottish Albinee = Scottish people Albinish = Scots (language) Gaelg Albinagh, Gaelg ny Halbey = Scottish Gaelic (Yn) Albin Noa, Nalbin Noa = Nova Scotia
Proto-Brythonic	*ėlβɨð [e̝lˈβɨːð] = world
Old Welsh	elbid [ˈelvɨð] = (upper) world, earth, land, country, district
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eluit, eluyt, eluyd = world. earth, land, country, district eluyten, eluyden, elvydenn = earth, land, country, region Albbu = Scotland Albanyeit = Scot
Welsh (Cymraeg)	elfydd = world. earth, land, country, district, neighbourhood; element elfydden = earth, land, country, region elfyddiaeth = chemistry elfyddol = material (yr) Alban [ˈalban] = Scotland Albanaidd = Scottish Albaneg = Scots (language), Scottish Gaelic, Pictish Albanes = Scottish woman or girl Albanwr = Scot (m) Alban Newydd = Nova Scotia
Cornish (Kernewek)	Alban = Scotland, Scot (m) albanek = Scottish Albanes = Scot (f) Alban Nowydh = Nova Scotia
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	albaneg = Scots (language)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	Albanad, albanat = Scottish albaneg, albanek = Scots (language)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂elbʰós (white). Alban in Welsh and Cornish was borrowed from Irish or Scottish Gaelic [Source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include Albion (England – poetic) and Alps in English, Albiōn (Britain) in Gallo-Latin, Albānia (Caucasian Albania, Albania, Scotland) in Latin, and words for the Alps in many other languages [Source].

Words from the same PIE root include albino and elf in English, albus (white, clear, bright) in Latin, and alb (white, clean, pure) in Romanian [Source].

The country of Albania got its English name from the Byzantine Greek Ἀλβανία (Albanía), which referred to an ancient region and kingdom south of Caucasus mountains, east of Armenia and west of the Caspian Sea, also known as Caucasian Albania. The Greek name came from the Latin Albānus (Albania), which refers to Albania, Caucasian Albania or Scotland, and probably came from Proto-Celtic [Source].

Scotland in Breton is Bro Skos and Nova Scotia is (Bro-)Skos Nevez. Bro means country or region, and comes from the Proto-Brythonic *broɣ (country, region, territory), from the Proto-Celtic *mrogis (border, march, region, country, territory, province), from the PIE *morǵ- (frontier, border). Cognates in other Celtic languages include bro (region, country, land, border, limit) in Welsh, and bro (country, land) in Cornish [Source]. Skos was probably borrowed from the French Ecosse (Scotland).

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Taking Hold

10th January 202311th November 2023 By Simon

Words for to take, hold and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	gabyeti = to grab, seize, take, hold gabaglā = taking *atigabaglā = distraint (the legal right of a landlord to seize the property of a tenant in the event of nonpayment of rent)
Celtiberian	kabizeti = (?)
Gaulish	gabi- = to give (?) gabali = taking, seizure
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gaibid [ˈɡavʲiðʲ] = to hold, grasp, take, seize, capture, gain (victory), put on (clothing), recite, declare gabál = taking argaib [arˈɡavʲ] = to seize, capture athgabáil = recovery congaibid [konˈɡavʲ] = to contain, preserve, keep, uphold conocaibid [konˈhoɡəvʲ] = to raise, rise, uplift, exalt, extol fogaibid [foˈɡavʲ] = to find, discover, get, gain, obtain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gaibid = to hold, grasp, take, seize, capture, gain (victory), put on (clothing), recite, declare gabáil = taking athgabáil = the process of recovery of debts, etc. by distraint, plunder, booty aurgaibid = to seize, capture congmaid = to contain, preserve, keep, uphold
Irish (Gaeilge)	gabh [ɡavʲ/ɡo(ː)] = to take, arrest, go, come gabháil = taking aisghabh = to retake, recover possession of athghabháil = recapture, recovery, re-engagement gabh mo leithscéal = excuse me urghabh = to seize, capture
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gabh [gav] = take, go, recite, break (in) ath-ghabh = retake, recover, regain, impound gabh mo lethsgeul = excuse me, pardon gabhail [gahal] = taking, lease, tenure, conquest
Manx (Gaelg)	gow = to take gow my leshtal = excuse me, sorry, I beg your pardon goaill = acceptance, affect, apprehend, apprehension, arrest, capture, catch, contraction, engage, seizure, receive, take aaghoaill = to recapture, reconquer, re-engage, retake
Proto-Brythonic	gabal- = breadth, side gavaɣl = to hold, grasp
Old Welsh	gabael = to hold, grasp, grip
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	gauayleu, gauael = to hold, grasp, grip gauaelant, gauaelu, gavailio = to hold tight, take hold, clutch adauael, adafael = distraint (in law), distress, pledge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gafael [ˈɡavaɨ̯l/ˈɡaːvai̯l] = to hold, grasp, grip gafaeladwy = available gafaelaf, gafaelio = to hold tight, take hold, clutch, grip, arrest, grapple, snatch, seize gafaeliad = a holding, hold, grasp, capture, attachment, comprehension, adherence, spasm adafael = distraint (in law), distress, pledge
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gaval = to hold, lay hold of, grasp, have gavel = a hold, a grasp
Cornish (Kernewek)	gavel = capacity, grasp
Old Breton	gabael = to hold (?) adgabael = to recover (?)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʰeh₁bʰ- (to grab, take) [source].

The Spanish word gavilla (sheaf, gang, band) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Late Latin gabella and the Gaulish *gabali (taking, seizure) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include able, debt, debit, doubt and habit in English, avere (to have) in Italian, avoir (to have) in French, and haber (to hold, possess) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, 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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Gaulish

Quintuple

Fourfold

Threesome

Top Peaks

Leaves

Sweet and Gentle

Baskets

Region and Country

Scotland

Taking Hold