Sufficiently Enough

23rd October 2024 By Simon

This post looks into words for enough, sufficient and related things in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	ɸroweros = many, enough, sufficient laweros = many, enough, sufficient
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lór = enough, sufficient, sufficiency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lór, loor, lour, leór, lour = enough, sufficient, great, ample, adequate, competent; sufficiently
Irish (Gaeilge)	leor [l̠ʲoːɾˠ/l̠ʲɔːɾˠ] = sufficient, ample, go leor = enough, plenty leorchúiteamh = indemnification leordhóthain = sufficiency, plenty leorgnhíomh = full amends, reparation, restitution
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leòr [̪lʲɔːr] = satiety, sufficency gu leòr [gə l̪ʲɔːr] = enough, sufficient(ly), galore leòr-ghnìomh = satisfaction leòrachd = amplitude
Manx (Gaelg)	liooar = sufficient dy liooar = adequate, ample, enough, galore, sufficient, umpteen
Proto-Brythonic	*llower =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llauer, llawer = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llauered, llawered, llavered = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawer [ˈɬau̯.ɛr] = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llaweredd = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance llawerhau = to multiply
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lower, = many, much
Cornish (Kernewek)	lower = many, much lower gweyth = often

Etymology: the reconstruction of the Proto-Celtic root is disputed – both possibilities are given. *laweros is possibly from *leh₂w- (to seize, to gain, benefit, prize) [source], which is also the root of the English word lucre (money, riches, wealth), the Swedish word lön (reward, salary, wage), the Irish word luach (value, price, reward), and the Welsh word golud (wealth, riches) [source].

The English word galore comes from Irish go leor and/or Scottish Gaelic gu leòr [source].

Proto-Celtic	sātis = sufficiency, fill sāss-ā- = to satisfy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sáth [saːθ] = satiety sáith = fill (of food), sufficiency sáthech = sated, satiated, satisfied sáithigid = to satiate, satisfy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sáith, sáth, sāth = sufficiency, as much as one requires, fill (of food), customary meal, appetite sáthech, sathach, sāithech = satisfied, filled, content, flourishing sáithigid, saithigudh = to satiate, satisfy
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáith [sˠɑː(h)/sˠaːç] = (full) meal, feed, fill, sufficiency, enough sáithigh = to sate, satiate, saturate sáithitheach = saturating sáithiú = satiety, saturation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sàth [saː] = plenty, abundance, fill sàthach [saː.əx] = filling, satiating; satiated person, bellyful, plenty, enough sàthachadh [saː.əxəɣ] = (act of) sating sàthachd [saː.əxg] = satuaration
Manx (Gaelg)	saie = satiety, fill, satisfaction, replete, satiated saiaghey = to satisfy, saturate saieagh = satiating, satisfied saieid = satiation, repletion, glut saieys = satiety, repletion, sufficiency

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₂- (to satiate, satisfy) [source], which is also the root of sad, satisfy and satiety in English; satt (not hungry, satiated, full, done) in German; zat (fed up, drink, sated, full) in Dutch; sazio (sated, full up) in Italian, and sāts (moderation, satiety, fill) in Latvian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doíthin = sufficency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doíthin, doéthain, deothin = a sufficiency, enough doíthenach = satiated, satisfied
Irish (Gaeilge)	dóthain [ˈd̪ˠoːhənʲ/ˈd̪ˠɔhənʲ] = enough, sufficiency dóthanach = satiated, fed up, tired dóthanacht = satiety
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	daothain [dɯː.ɪn̪ʲ] = sufficency, fill

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dīkāneti = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	dicone = to do, make, act, perform
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	digaun, digawn, digaunt = enough, sufficiency, plenty diconher, digoni = to do, make, act, perform
Welsh (Cymraeg)	digon [ˈdɪɡɔn] = enough, sufficiency, plenty, abundance, adequate, plentiful, ample digoni = to do, make, act, perform, to satisfy, suffice, fill, satiate, digonol = adequate

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *dī- (from, of) and *kān- (sound) [source].

Breton words for enough, sufficient, etc include:

trawalc’h = enough (of), enough!
bast = sufficient
brasoni = sufficiency
sufis = sufficient, adequate

Etymology: unknown.

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

Deeply Profound

16th October 202416th October 2024 By Simon

This post peers into the depths of some deeply profound words in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	dubnos (adj) = deep dubnos (noun) = world Dubnowalos = a male given name* – “world prince / chief” Dubnogenos = a male given name* – “world born / family”
Gaulish	dumnos = deep Dubnorīx = a male given name – “world king”
Primitive Irish	ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚓᚅ (domngen), ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚔᚅᚅ (domnginn) = male given names
Old Irish (Goídelc)	domain = deep, profound, depth(s), sea-floor fudumain = profound(ity), depth Domnall = a male given name Domaingen = a male given name
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	domain, doimin, domun, domuin = deep, profound, intense, thoughtful, depth(s) doimnigid = to deepen, lower domne, domnae = depth(s) domun = the world, the earth Domnall = a male given name
Irish (Gaeilge)	domhain [d̪ˠɑinʲ/d̪ˠoːnʲ] = depth, deep, abyss, inmost part, profound, sunken, hollow, low-pitched, far, late domhainiascaireacht = deep-sea fishing domhainmhachnamh = deep thought, deep reflection doimhneacht = depth, deep place doimhnigh = to deepen doimhniúchan = (act of) deepening domhan = earth, world Domhnall, Dónall = male given names
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	domhain [dõ.ɪn̪ʲ] = deep, profound domhaineachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲəxg] = depth, deep, deepness, profundity domhainteachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲdʲəxg] = abstruseness domhan [dõ.an] = universe, world Dòmhnall = a male given name
Manx (Gaelg)	dowin = deep(ly), deep-rooted, involved, low, profound, secretive, thorough, penetrating diunaghey = to deepen diunid = deep, depth, gulf, rootedness dowan = world, earth, universe, cosmos
Proto-Brythonic	duβn/dumno = deep Duβnowal = a male given name* Duβnoɣen = a male given name*
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	duuin, dofn = deep Dumnagual = a male given name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dowyn, duvin, dwvyn, dwfyn, dwuyn = deep, dense dyfnu, dyfnaf = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with) dyfyn(n)der, dyuynder, dewfynder = depth(s), deepness dyfnddysc = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyuynvor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfynhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyuynwal, Dyvynwal, Dyfynwal = male given names*
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dwfn, dyfn [dʊvn] = deep, dense, mysterious, intense, serious, profound; depth(s), deep waters, abyss, void; world, earth dyfnu = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with), suck dyfnder = depth(s), deepness, bottom, thickness, abyss dyfnddysg = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyfnfor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfnhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyfnaint = Devon Dyfnwal = a male given name Dyfnien = a male given name
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	down = deep, profound, low downder = depth
Cornish (Kernewek)	down = deep downder = depth downfria = to deep-fry downhe = to deepen downrewi = to deep-freeze
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	dumn = deep
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	doun, don = deep dounhat = to deepen do(u)nder = depth
Breton (Brezhoneg)	don [dɔ̃ːn] = deep, hollow (plate, dish), serious (air) donaat = to deepen donañ [ˈdɔ̃ː.nã] = to deepen donded [ˈdɔ̃n.det] = depth donder [ˈdɔ̃n.dɛr] = depth Dunvel = a male given name

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubʰnós (deep), from *dʰewbʰ- (hazy, unclear, dark, deep) [source]. Words from the same roots include deep and dip in English, tief (deep, low) in German, dopen (to dip, immerse, name) in Dutch, dùgnas (bottom, background) in Lithuanian, дно [dno] (floor, bed, bottom) in Russian, and words for black in Celtic languages

The names Donald and Dunaldur (used in Faroese) come from the Proto-Celtic name *Dubnowalos [source].

Darkness

8th October 2024 By Simon

Words for dark, gloom and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*temeslos = darkness
Old Irish (Goídelc)	teimen = dark, obscure teimel, teimne [ˈtʲeβ̃ʲel] = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	teim. tem = dark teimen, temen, teimean = dark, obscure teimel, temel, temul = darkness, gloom, dejection, stain, blemish, fault, death
Irish (Gaeilge)	teimheal = darkness, gloom, tarnish, stain, smudge, trace, sign teimhleach = dark, gloomy, tarnished, stained teimhleacht = spottiness, smudigness teimhligh = to darken, obscure, tarnish, stain teimhlitheach = tarnishing, staining teimhneach = dark, opaque teimhneacht = darkness, opacity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teamhall [tʲiəv] = slight swoon, stun
Proto-Brythonic	temēl(os) = darkness tɨβ̃uɨl = darkness
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	timuil = darkness, gloom
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyll, tyỽyll = dark, opaque tywyllu, tyỽylla = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tewyllvc = to darken, grow dim tyỽyllỽc, tywyllỽc, tywylluc, tywyllwc = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywyll [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ɬ/ˈtəu̯.ɪɬ] = dark, opaque, blind, dim (of sight), obscure, neutral, darkness, gloom tywyllu = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tywyllhau = to darken, grow dim tywyllwch [ˈtwəɬʊχ/ˈtʊɬʊχ] = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness, eclipse
Old Cornish	tiwoulgou = darkness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tewal = dark, dusky, obscure tewlder, tulder = darkness tewolgow, tiwulgou = darkness, obscurity
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewal, tewl = dark, gloomy, murky, sombre tewlder = darkness, gloom tewlhe = to darken tewlwolow = dusk, half-light tewolgow = darkness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	temoel = dark, gloomy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	teffoal, teffal, teual = dark, gloomy teffalhat = to darken, obscure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	teñval [ˈtẽː.val] = dark, gloomy, sad, dreary, suspicious, deaf, unintelligible, incomprehensible teñvalaat [tẽvaˈlɑːt] = to darken, obscure teñvalded [tẽˈval.det] = darkness teñvalijenn [tẽ.vaˈliː.ʒɛn] = darkness, shadow teñvalus [tẽˈvaːlys] = dark, obscure, mysterious, sombre

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *témHos (darkness), from *temH- (dark) [source]. Words from the same roots include temerity, tenebrous (dark, gloomy, obscure) in English, tamsa (darkness) in Lithuanian, finster (dark, gloomy) and Dämmerung (twilight) in German, tenebre (darkness, obscurity) in Italian, and tiniebla (shadow) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorchae [ˈdorxɘ] = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaide = dark, dense dorchatus = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dorcha(e) = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaigid = to grow dark, eclipse, darken, obscure dorchatu, dorchato = darkness
Irish (Gaeilge)	dorcha [ˈd̪ˠɔɾˠəxə] = darkness, obscurity, dark, obscure, blind, secretive dorchacht = dark state, darkness dorchadas = darkness, secrecy, reserve dorchaigh = to darken, become secretive, reserved
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dorch [dɔrɔx] = dark, black, dusky, mysterious, obscure dorcha [dɔrɔxə] = dark, dusky, sombre, murky dorchadas [dɔrɔxədəs] = darkness, obscurity, mysteriousness dorchaich [dɔrɔxɪç] = darken, make dark
Manx (Gaelg)	doorey = obscurity, shade, eclipse dorraghey = dark, dusk(y), gloomy, enigmatic, mysterious, obscure dorraghys = blackness, darkness, obscurity

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Spinning, Twisting & Turning

2nd October 2024 By Simon

Words for spin, twist, turn and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	snīmus = spinning, weaving sniyeti = to turn, twist
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sníïd = to twist sním = spinning, twisting, vexation grief, anxiety
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sníïd, sníit = to twists, bend, tie, contend, struggle, grieve, trouble, vex sním, snim = twisting, bending, shaping, trouble, care, grief, anxiety snímaid = to spin, twist
Irish (Gaeilge)	sníomh [ʃnʲiːvˠ/ʃnʲiːw] = spinning, twisting, twinning, struggle, strain, wrench, cre, anxiety; to spin, twist, strain, wrench, strive, struggle sníomhach = spinning, turning, twisting, anxious, concerned sníomhachán = (act of) spinning sníomhadán = spinneret sníomhaí = spinner sníomhaire = spindle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	snìomh [ʃn̪ʲĩə̃v] = spinning, winding, wreathing, twisting, twining, twist, curl, sprain, wrench snìomhach [ʃn̪ʲiəvəx] = twisting, winding, spiral, tortuous, twisted snìomhachan [ʃn̪ʲəvəxan] = spinner (implement) snìomhadh [ʃn̪ʲĩə̃vəɣ] = spinning, winding, wreathing, twising snìomhaire [ʃn̪ʲiəvərʲə] = borer, auger, spinner snìomhte [ʃn̪ʲĩə̃vdʲə] = spin, entwined, twisted
Manx (Gaelg)	snee = crossness, offence, vexation sneeu = spin, spinning queeyl sneeuee = spinning wheel sneeuder = spinner
Proto-Brythonic	*nɨðid = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nydd = spin, twist, perverseness, obstinacy, agitation, difficulty nydu [ˈnəðɨ/ˈnəði] = to spin (wool), twist, wind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nydd [nɨːð/niːð] = spin, twist, perverseness, obstinacy, agitation, difficulty, honeysuckle, spun nyddu [ˈnəðɨ/ˈnəði] = to spin (wool), twist, wind nydd(i)wr = spinner, spinning-machine, nightjar, grasshopper warbler nyddlin = a spiral
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nedhe, nedhé = to spin, turn, twist
Cornish (Kernewek)	nedha = to twist
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nezaff = to spin, trick, fool, purr
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nez = twist, twisting nezadenn = spun thing nezadur = wiring nezañ [ˈneː(z)ã] = to spin, trick, fool, purr nezer = spinner nezerezh = spinning

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *(s)neh₁- (to spin, sew). Words from the same roots include needle, snood in English, naald (needle, pin) in Dutch, nähen (to sew) in German, snáth (thread, yarn, web) in Irish, and possibly snop (sheaf) in Czech [source].

See also the Pins & Needles post for some Celtic words related to needles, pins and thread.

Proto-Celtic	*kassos = curly, twisted, woven
Gaulish	kass- = twist kassis = curly (hair) *kassanos = oak (tree/wood)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cas = curly (haired) casaid = to twist, turn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cas, cass = curly (hair) casaid, casaidh = to twist, bend
Irish (Gaeilge)	cas [kɑsˠ] = twisted, winding, curly, complicated, intricate, twisty, devious; to twist, turn, wind casadh [ˈkɑsˠə/ˈkasˠu(ː)] = to twist, turn, wind, spin, reproach
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cas [kas] = twist, bend, wind (up), gnash, oppose, turn against casadh [kasəɣ] = (act of) opposing, turning against, twisting, bending, gnashing casta [kasdə] = twisted, twined, curled, complex
Manx (Gaelg)	cassit = contorted, distorted, twirled, twisted cassee = coiling, twisting, winding cassey = to curl, distort, screw, spin, whirl cast = curly, curved, intricate, spun, warped, wrapped

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *kes- (to scrape, comb) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish kassanos (oak) and Latin casnus, include casse (oak) in Occitan, cassanella (gall) in Catalan and chêne (oak) in French [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include hair in English, коса (kosa – hair) in Bulgarian, and kasa (braid) in Latvian [source].

See the Weaving Words post for some weaving-related Celtic words.

Proto-Brythonic	*tro = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tro = rotation, revolution, turn(ing), stir(ing), twist, warp troat, troad, troead = rotation, revolution, orbit, turn(ing) troy, try, troi = to turn, spin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tro [troː] = rotation, revolution, turn(ing), stir(ing), twist, warp, coil, ringlet tro(e)ad = rotation, revolution, orbit, turn(ing), stir(ing), twist, convolution, hinge tro(a)f, troi = to turn, spin, whirl, rotate, roll
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tro = turn, circuit, occasion, manner, sort troillia = to turn, whirl
Cornish (Kernewek)	tro = cycle, occasion, round, turn troyll = spiral, swirl, ceilidh troyllya = to spin, swirl troyllyek = spiral troyllyer plasennow = record player
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	tro = movement, turn tro(u)im = to turn, spin
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tro = round, surround, surroundings treiff = to turn, move
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tro [troː] = round, surround, surroundings tro-dro [troˈdroː] = around, towards treiñ = to spin

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to Latin torqueo (I turn) or Ancient Greek τρόπος (trópos – a turn) [source].

Leathery Hide

10th September 202410th September 2024 By Simon

Words for leather, hide and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*(ɸ)letros = leather, hide
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lethar = leather, skin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lethar, leathar, lethor [ˈl͈ʲeθər] = skin, leather, hide lethrad = leather harness
Irish (Gaeilge)	leathar [ˈl̠ʲahəɾˠ] = skin, hide, leather leathrach = leathern, leathery
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leathar [l̪ʲɛhər] = leather, leathery, leathern leatharach [l̪ʲɛhərəx] = leathery, like leather, coriaceous leathrachail [l̪ʲɛrəxal] = leathery
Manx (Gaelg)	l(h)iare (n.) = leather, leather equipment, strop l(h)iareagh (adj.) = leather, leathern
Proto-Brythonic	*lledr = leather
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lledyr, lledr = leather, parchment, vellum, skin, hide lletrin = made of leather or hide, leathern
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lledr [ɬɛdr/ˈɬeːdɛr] = leather, parchment, vellum, skin, hide lledro, lledru = to cover with leather, become leathery lledraidd = leathery, tough, coriaceous lledrin = made of leather or hide, leathern lledrwr, lledrydd = leather manufacturer, leather merchant, tanner, currier
Cornish (Kernewek)	ledher = leather ledhrek = leathery
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ledr = leather
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lezr = leather
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lêr/ler [lɛːr] = leather lêran, lêrañ = to garnish with leather lêrek [ˈlɛːrek] = tough lêrenn = strap, belt lêrennan, lêrennañ = to garnish with strips, to tan

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *letrom (leather), or from PIE *pél-tro-m, from *pel- (to cover, wrap; skin, hide, cloth). Words for leather and related things in Germanic languages, such as leather in English, Leder in German, leer in Dutch, were possibly borrowed from Proto-Celtic *(ɸ)letros [source].

Words from the same PIE root include fell (skin, hide, pelt), film, pall and pelt in English; vel (skin, hide, fur, pelt) in Dutch; fjäll ([fish / reptile] scale) in Swedish; piel (skin, fur) in Spanish, and peau (skin, hide, fur) in French [source].

For other words for skin, see the Surfaces post on the Celtiadur.

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

Furrowed Trenches

31st August 202431st August 2024 By Simon

Words for furrow, trench and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	ɸrikā = furrow enterɸrikyā = furrow
Gaulish	rikā/ricā = furrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rech = furrow etrech = furrow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	etarche, etrige, eitre = furrow, groove, channel
Irish (Gaeilge)	eitre [ˈɛtʲəɾʲə] = furrow, groove, ridge eitreach = furrowed, grooved, rifled eitrigh = furrow, groove
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eitre = trench, furrow
Manx (Gaelg)	eerey = furrow length, plough length
Proto-Brythonic	*rrɨx = furrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rych, rich, rrych = trench, ditch, furrow, groove
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhych [r̥ɨːχ/r̥iːχ] = trench, ditch, furrow, groove, streak, wrinkle, cleft, cleavage rhychiad = crease, wrinkle, furrowing, trenching, chamfering rhych(i)og = furrowed, wrinkled, shrivelled rhychu = to cut a trench, cut into rows, plough, groove, corrugate, make or become wrinkled
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	rec = furrow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rec = furrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reg = line, furrow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pr̥keh₂ (furrow), from *perḱ- (to open, rip up, dig) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish *rikā (furrow) and Latin riga (line, stripe), include rega (furrow, ladder / run [in a stocking]) in Catalan, raie (stripe, parting, line) in French, porca (ridge between furrows, balk line) in Italian, alporquia (layering – developing a new plant from the branch of a tree) in Portuguese, porcoi (haystack, hay bale, heap, pile, bunch) in Romanian, and erreka (river, stream, ravine) in Basque [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include furrow, farrow and pig in English, Furche (furrow) in German, fåra (furrow, groove) in Swedish, porsas (piglet, pork) in Finnish, and arc [aɾˠk] (piglet) in Irish [source].

Other words for Ditches and Trenches and Grave Ditches in Celtic languages.

Yoked Bonds

27th August 2024 By Simon

Words for yoke, bond and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	yugom = yoke komyungis = (?)
Gaulish	yugom = yoke (?) Weryugos = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuing = yoke
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuing, coing = yoke, burden, duty, sway, discipline, behaviour
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuing [kiːɲɟ/kɪɲ] = yoke, bond, obligation, tie, beam, narrow neck of land (as between two lakes) cuingealach = jugular cuingigh = to yoke, enjoin cuingir = yoke, pair, couple, group, herd cuingleánach = yoked cuingrigh = yoke, couple
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuing [kɯ̃ĩŋʲgʲ] = yoke, asthma, bond, obligation cuinge [kɯ̃ĩŋʲgʲə] = narrow place, passage, pass, difficulty, limitation cuingeach [kɯ̃ĩŋʲgʲəx] = asthmatic cuingeachadh [kɯ̃ĩŋʲgʲəxəɣ] = (act of) yoking, abridgement, constraining, restricting, constraint cuingeachail [kɯiŋʲgʲəxal] = limiting, restrictive cuingealach [kɯ̃ĩŋʲgʲəl̪ˠəx] = restricted, shackled, constricted
Manx (Gaelg)	quing = yoke, brace, team of oxen, (balance) beam quingaghey = to subjugate, yoke quingey = to yoke quingit = yoked
Proto-Brythonic	*jọw = yoke
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	iou = yoke
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	iou, yeu, iau, jav = yoke
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iau [jaɨ̯/jai̯] = yoke, pair of oxen, sway, dominion, authority, discipline, oppression
Old Cornish	ieu = yoke
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	yeu = yoke
Cornish (Kernewek)	yew = yoke war yew = onward
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	yeu, yau = yoke
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yev [jew] = yoke, servitude yevad = yoke, hitch, team, coupling yevan, yevañ = to yoke, subjugate, enslave

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *yugóm (yoke) or *yung, from *yewg- (to join, yoke, tie together) [source]. Words from the same roots include adjunct, conjugate, join, jugular, junction, yoga and yoke in English, joindre (to join up, reach, contact) in French, and junto (together, joined, next to) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wedos = yoke, harness
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fedan = band, carrying, company, drawing feidid [ˈɸʲeðʲiðʲ] = to bring, lead
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fedan, feadhan, fedhain = (act of) carrying, conveying, carriage, harness, band, company, part, some feidid, fedid = to bring, lead, refer, apply
Irish (Gaeilge)	feadhain = band, troop, company
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feadhain = team of horses
Manx (Gaelg)	fwirran = staff, team
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gued, guet, gved, gwedd = yoke, harness guedu, gwedha = to be coupled with a yoke, be yoked gwedeu, guedeu = traces, draught-harness gwedhau = to submit, pay homage
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwedd [ɡweːð] = yoke, harness, team (of horses, oxen, etc), bondage, captivity, submission, humility, homage, offspring, progeny, children gweddaf, gweddu = to be coupled with a yoke, be yoked, submit, humble oneself gweddau = traces, draught-harness

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *wedʰ- (to bind, secure, pledge, guarantee, lead) [source]. Words from the same roots include gage, wage, wager and wed in English, Wette (bet) in German, and gage (pledge, guarantee, deposit) in French [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mám [maːm] = yoke
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mám = yoke
Irish (Gaeilge)	mám = yoke

Etymology: ? [source].

Shells

29th July 20246th October 2024 By Simon

Words for shell and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	bláesc = shell, nutshell, eggshell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bláesc, blosc, plaesc = eggshell, nutshell, cataract (?)
Irish (Gaeilge)	blaosc / plaosc [bˠlˠiːsˠk / pˠl̪ˠeːsˠk] = shell (of eggg, but, crustacea) blaosc an chinn / an chloiginn = skull, cranium blaosc an aeir = the vault of heaven blaoscach = shelly, big-, empty-, headed blaoscán = eggshell, skull, cranium, drain, nip blaoscrúisc = scalp
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	plaosg [pl̪ˠɯːsg] = hull, husk, pod, peel, rind, (egg)shell, crust, skull; peeling, skinning, husking, shelling plaosgadh [pl̪ˠɯːsgəɣ] = peeling, skinning, husking, shelling plaosgach [pl̪ˠɯːsgəx] = shelled, husky, shelly
Manx (Gaelg)	bleayst = shell, hull, husk, shield, body, crust, gill cover, pod bleayst shligganagh = tortoise shell bleaystan(ey) = bomb, shell bleaystagh = detonating, explosive, husked, shelled bleaystaghey = to shell, unhusk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	plisc(yn), plisg(in) = shell(s), pod(s), husk(s), rind, skin(s) plisco = to shell, peel
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plisg(en/yn) [plɪsɡ] = shell(s), pod(s), husk(s), rind, skin(s), membrane; speech impediment, cataract, scab plisgaf, plisgo = to shell, husk, peel plisgynnog = having a shell, skin or husk
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pliscin = eggshell plisg = husk, shell, paring
Cornish (Kernewek)	plisk(en) = shell(s), husk(s)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	plusq(uenn) = peeling(s), skin(s), husk(s), shell(s), hull(s), eggshell(s) plusqad = peelings plusqua = to peel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	plusk(enn) = peeling(s), shaving(s), shell(s), pod(s), bark(s) pluskadur = peeling pluskan, pluskañ [ˈplyskã] = to peel pluskennek = to fluff

Etymology: possibly related to peluche (plush [toy], fluff) in French and plush in English, which come Vulgar from Latin *pilūc(i)cāre (to remove parts of sth), from Latin pilāre (to remove hair), from pilus (hair) the Proto-Indo-European *pilo- (hair) [source].

Other words from the same roots include pelo (hair) in Spanish, poil (hair) in French and pelare (to pluck, skin, shear, peel) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	sleg = shell (?) sleggio = shell (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	slice = shell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slice = shell slicén, sligen = shell
Irish (Gaeilge)	slige [ˈʃl̠ʲɪɟɪ] = shell, shard, melting pot sligeach = shells, place abounding in shells sliogán [ʃlʲəˈɡɑ̃ːn̪ˠ] = shell sliogán mara = scallop; seashell sliogánach = testacean, shelled, testaceous, abounding in shells, dappled, mottled
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	slige [ʃl̪ʲigʲə] = shell, hull (of a boat) sligean [ʃl̪ʲʲigʲan] = small shell, small hull, small drinking shell, small shard sligeach [ʃl̪ʲigʲəx] = carapace, casing, case, crustacean, having a shell sligeanach [ʃl̪ʲigʲanəx] = tortoise
Manx (Gaelg)	shlig = shell, scale, body shliggan = shell, bomb shligganaghey = testaceous, tortoise shligganaghey = bomb, bombard

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *slak- (to hit, strike, throw) [source]. The town and county of Sligo (Sligeach and Contae Shligigh in Irish), get their name from the Irish word sligeach [source]..

Proto-Celtic	*krok-enā = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cregyn, cragen, cregin, krogen = shell, framework, husk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cragen, crogen [ˈkraɡɛn / ˈkrɔɡɛn] = shell, framework, husk cragenbysg, crogenbysg = shellfish cragenfaen, crogenfaen = pearl cragennu = to form into a shell, become a shell cregynna [krɛˈɡəna] = to gather shells
Old Cornish	crogen = shell
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crogen, crogan = shell crogen an penn = skull
Cornish (Kernewek)	krogen = shell krogen benn/bedn = skull krogen brierin / Sen Jamys = scallop krogen benn/bedn = clam
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	creguin, croguen = shell croguennec = hooked
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kregen = shells krogenn [ˈkroː.ɡɛn] = shell, carapace kroegennan, kroegennañ = to shell kroegennek = hooked

Etymology: unknown. Related to cregen (clay vessel) and cragen (potsherd) in Welsh, and possibly conch in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mocol = cluster, husk, mesh, shell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mocol, mogal = mesh, network, web, globe, sphere, round mass, husk, shell, pid, troop, band
Irish (Gaeilge)	mogall [ˈmˠɔɡəl̪ˠ] = mesh, husk, shell, pod, compacy body, cluster of people mogallach = meshed, reticular, clustered mogallaigh = to (en)mesh, cluster mogallóir = mesh-rod (for measuring) mogallsúileach = goggle-eyed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mogal [mogəl̪ˠ] = husk, shell, skin, mesh
Manx (Gaelg)	moggyl = grid, mesh, network mogglagh = meshed, networklike eddyr-voggyl = internet
Proto-Brythonic	*magl = trap, snare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	magl, magyl = trap, snare maglyt, maglu, meglyt = to snare, net, enmesh
Welsh (Cymraeg)	magl [ˈmaɡal] = snare, noose, trap, gin, manacle, fetter; obstruction, obstacle, cataract maglu, maglo = to snare, net, enmesh magledig = ensnaring, entrapping, caught, ensnared, trapped
Old Cornish	maglen = trap, snare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	maglen = snare, halter, spring
Cornish (Kernewek)	maglen = trap, gear maglenna, magledna = to change gear, tangle, trap magli = to tangle
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	maclou = slime (?)

Etymology: from Latin macula (mesh), from Proto-Italic *smatlom, from Proto-Indo-European *smh₂-tló-m (wiping [?]) [source]. Words from the same roots include (chain) mail in English, macchia (stain, smear, spot) in Italian, maquis (thicket, resistance, underground) in French, and Makel (flaw, blemish) in German [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

Seeds

4th July 2024 By Simon

Words for seed and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sīlom = seed
Old Irish (Goídelc)	síl [sʲiːl] = seed, cause, origin, semen, race, progency, descendants, offspring, breed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	síl = seed, race, progency, descendants, offspring, breed, sílach = seed sílaid = to sow spread, breed, sower sílaige = disseminator, one who propagates sílaigthid = sower sílem = sower sílne = seed, sperm
Irish (Gaeilge)	síol [ʃiː(ə)l̪ˠ] = seed, semem, sperm, offspring, progeny síolach = seedy síoladóir = seedsman, sower, disseminator síoladóireacht = (act of) seeding, sowing síoladaí = disseminator, propagator síolaicme = race, breed síolaigh = to seed, sow, disseminate, spread
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sìol [ʃiəl̪ˠ] = seed, sperm, descendants, progency, line, lineage, increase sìolach [ʃiə̪ˠəx] = breed, brood, offspring sìolachadh [ʃiəl̪ˠəxəɣ] = (act of) sowing seed, reproducing, propagating, breeding sìoladair [ʃiəl̪ˠədɪrʲ] = seedsman, sower sìolag [ʃiəl̪ˠag] = seedling, strainer sìolaiche [ʃiəl̪ɪç] = propagator
Manx (Gaelg)	sheel = seed, sperm, sheelag = seedling sheelagh = seedy, fruitful, seminal sheeleyder = seedsman, distiller, dribbler, refiner sheelraghey = to breed, propagate, breeding
Proto-Brythonic	*hil = race, lineage
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hil = seed, issue, offspring, progeny, descendents hiliad = producing, generation, propagation hylyo, hilyo = to bring forth, breed, beget
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hil [hiːl] = seed, issue, offspring, progeny, descendents, posterity, stock, lineage, race hiliad = producing, generation, propagation, procreation, progency, lineage, offspring hiliaeth = generation, progeny, lineage hilio = to bring forth, breed, beget, propagate, increase, populate hiliog = prolific, fruitful, fecund, fertile, pregrant hiliogaeth = issue, offspring, seed, breed, race, posterity, descendants, lingeage hiliwr, hilydd = racist
Cornish (Kernewek)	hil = ethnicity, race hilegydh(es) = racist hilgasieth = racism
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hil = seed, posterity hilian, hiliañ = to procreate

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- (to sow, plant, impress, insert) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include earn, season, seed, seminar and sow in English, säen (to sow) in German, siać (to spread, leave smth and forgot its location) in Polish, and sēt (to sow) in Latvian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*satos = seed
Proto-Brythonic	*had = seed
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hat, had = seeds hadv, hadu = to bring forth or produce seed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	had [haːd] = seeds, origin, source, bit, mite hadaf, hadu = to bring forth or produce seed, grow seed, multiply, become fruitful, run to seed, sow, propagate hadaidd = having seed, seedy, running to seed hadblanhigyn = seedling hadfa = seed-plot, nursery-garden hadle = seed-plot, nursery, seminary, school
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	has, hâs = seed
Cornish (Kernewek)	hasa = to sow hasek = fruitful has, hasen = seed, sperm haslet = contraceptive haslettyans = contraception
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	att = seed
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hat = seed, grains, pips hadaff, hadet, hada = to sow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	had = seed, spawn, offspring hadeg = seeding hader = sower haderezh = sowing hadañ = to sow

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- (to sow, plant, impress, insert) [source].

A Shovelful of Spades

28th June 2024 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for shovel, spade, oar, and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*rāmyos = oar, spade, shovel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ráma = oar ráïd = to row (with oars), sail, voyage imm·rá = to row (about), navigate
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rám(a), rámha = oar, spade imm-rá, immará = to row (around), navigate, go
Irish (Gaeilge)	rámh = oar rámhach = oared rámhaíocht = rowing, oarsmanship rámhainn = spade, spade-length rámhaí = oarsman rámhaigh = to row iomair = to row iomróir = oarsman, rower
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ràmh [r̪ˠaːv] = oar, paddle ràmhach [r̪ˠãːvəx] = row(ing) boat, set of oars ràmhachd [rˠ̪ãːvəxg] = (act of) rowing, oar-making ràmhadh [r̪ˠaːvəɣ] = (act of) rowing ràmhaiche, ràmhair [r̪ˠaːvɪçə / r̪ˠaːvɛrʲ] = oarsman, rower iomair [imɪrʲ] = to row (a boat) iomramhaiche [imərəvɪçə] = oarsman, rower
Manx (Gaelg)	raue = rowing raueder = rowing man ymmyrt = oar, rowing, to row, to launch ymmyrtagh = oarsman, rower, waterman, ferryman, rowing reuyrey = to delve, dig (up), root, spade
Proto-Brythonic	rrọβ = shovel, spade rruɨβ̃ = oar
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rau, raỽ, raw, rhaw = shovel, spade rawyet, rhawieit = shoveful, spadeful rwyf, rỽyf, rwyff = oar, paddle rỽyuaỽ, rhwyfo = to row, travel (by sea), voyage, journey rhwyfwr = oarsman, rower
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhaw [r̥aːu̯ / r̥au̯] = shovel, spade rhaw(i)aid = shoveful, spadeful rhawffon = spade, shovel, paddle rhawiaf, rhawio, rhoddio, rhofio = to shovel, dig rhawiwr = shoveller rhwyf = oar, paddle rhwyfadain, rhwyfaden = fin (of a fish), propeller rhwyf(i)af, rhwyf(i)o = to row, travel (by sea), voyage, journey, agitate, shake, swing, wave rhwyfwr = oarsman, rower, sailor, seaman, boatman, mariner
Old Cornish	ruif = oar
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruif, rev = oar, ruler, king ruifadur, revadar, ruivadur = rower, oarsman
Cornish (Kernewek)	reuv = shovel reuv arader = ploughshare rev = oar revya = to row, paddle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reuf = spade reuff, roeuff = oar
Breton (Brezhoneg)	roev = spade roeñv [rwẽʷ] = rowing, oar roenvier, roevier = rower, oarsman

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁reh₁- (to row). Words from the same PIE root include row, rudder and Russia in English, roeien (to row [with oars]) and riem (oar, paddle) in Dutch, ró (to row, sail out to fish, rock backwards and forwards) in Icelandic, ro (to row, quickly hand over, pass) in Swedish, rame (oar, paddle) in French [source].

Etymology: the Brythonic words for oar come from Latin rēmus (oar), from Proto-Italic *rē(z)mos, from a PIE *h₁reh₁- (to row) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	slúasat = shovel
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slúasat, slúasad = shovel, paddle, tooth slúaistech = shovel-like
Irish (Gaeilge)	sluasaid = shovel, shovelful sluaisteáil = to shovel, gather in large quantities, scoop sluaisteog = (small) shovelful sluaisteoir = shoveller
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sluasaid [sl̪uəsadʲ] = shovel, spade sluaist [sl̪uəʃdʲ] = shovel, spade sluaisreadh [sl̪uəʃrʲəɣ] = shovelling, water washing up and down a beach
Manx (Gaelg)	sleayst = shovel sleaystey = to shovel, scoop, mix; shovelling, mixing sleaysteyder = shoveller, scooper

Etymology: unknown [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fàl [faːl̪ˠ] = scythe fàladair [faːl̪ˠədɪrʲ] = scyther, reaper, mower fàlaireachd [faːl̪ˠədɪrʲəxg] = scything, mowing fàlaid [faːl̪ˠadʲ] = scythe
Manx (Gaelg)	faayl = turfcutter, turfspade foll = scythe folderagh = to cut with a scythe, mowing
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pelechi = cudgel, club, staff
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pal, pál = spade, shovel palach = cudgel, club, staff
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pâl [paːl] = spade, shovel, dug soil, tilth, a digging, palach = cudgel, club, staff
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pal = spade, shove, mattock
Cornish (Kernewek)	pal = spade palas = to dig, excavate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pal = shovel, spade
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pal [pɑːl] = shovel, spade palad [ˈpɑːlat] = shoveled palat [ˈpɑːlat] = to dig palerez [pa.ˈleː.res] = excavator

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *kʷel- (to turn). Words from the same PIE root include collar, cult and wheel in English, and Hals (neck, throat) in German [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: German (Deutsch)

Sufficiently Enough

Deeply Profound

Darkness

Spinning, Twisting & Turning

Leathery Hide

Furrowed Trenches

Yoked Bonds

Shells

Seeds

A Shovelful of Spades