Kings and Queens

2nd April 201914th August 2023 By Simon

Words for king and related things in Celtic languages.

Brian Boru, High King of Ireland (1002-1014) / Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, Ard-Rí ar Éirinn

Proto-Celtic	rīxs/rig- = king
Celtiberian	reikis = king
Gaulish	rīx = king – appears in names like Katurīx, Suādurīx, *Werkingetorīx (Vercingetorix) and Asterix
Primitive Irish	ᚏᚔᚌᚐᚄ (rigas) = (of the) king
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rí [r͈ʲiː] = king rígdae = regal, kingly rígdún = palace
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rí, ríg, rig = king, head, chief rígán = a sub-king, chief rígamail, rioghamhail = royal rígdacht = kingliness, kingly qualities, a kingdom rígda(e) = a royal dwelling place, palace rígrach = = royal, kingly
Irish (Gaeilge)	rí [ɾˠiː] = king, sovereign, monarch ríoga = regal, royal ríora = kings, royal persons, royalty, dynasty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìgh [r̪ʲiː] = king banrìgh = queen àrd-rìgh = high king mòr-rìgh = emperor rìoghachadh = reigning, reign rìoghachd = kingdom, realm
Manx (Gaelg)	ree = king reejerey = cavalier, chevalier, king, knight, lord, paladin, prince reeoil = kinglike, monarchy, regal, royal reeaght, reeriaght, riaght, ream = kingdom
Proto-Brythonic	*riɣ [ˈriːɣ] = king
Old Welsh	rig = king
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ri, rhi = king rhiaidd, rhïaidd = regal, royal, noble, generous rieu, riav = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rriawdr, riawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhi [r̥iː] = king, prince, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiaidd = regal, noble, aristocratic, dignified rhiau = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruy, ruif = king, sovereign, ruler ryal, real = royal, kingly
Cornish (Kernewek)	riel = regal, royal
Old Breton	ri = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ri, rí = king

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source], which is also the root of the German word Reich (empire, realm), and the English suffix -ric, as in bishopric (a diocese or region of a church which a bishop governs) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*rīganī= queen
Gaulish	rigani = queen
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rígan = queen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rígain, rígan, rígnae = queen, noble lady
Irish (Gaeilge)	ríon = queen, queenly, noble, lady, fair maiden banríon = queen (ban)ríonacht = queenship ríonaí = queenly ríonaigh = to queen (chess)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìghinn [r̪ʲi.ɪn̪ʲ] = princess (archaic) rìbhinn [r̪ʲiːvɪn̪ʲ] = maid, maiden, girl, Venus, adder, queen (archaic) banrìgh = queen
Manx (Gaelg)	reeven = queen rein = queen ben-rein = queen
Proto-Brythonic	*rriɣėn [r͈iˈɣe̝ːn] = queen
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	riein, riain = (young) woman, girl, damsel, lass, maiden, virgin, queen, noble girl, lady
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhiain = (young) woman, girl, damsel, lass, maiden, virgin, queen, noble girl, lady

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵnih₂ (queen), from *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source]. Words from the same roots include reine (queen) in French, reina (queen) in Spanish, erregina (queen) in Basque, and regină (queen) in Romanian [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rhỼyf, rwyf, rỼy = king, lord, ruler, chieftain, leader rwyfaỼ, rwyfaỼ = to have dominion over, govern, rule rwyuannus, rhwyvanus = royal, kinglike, governing ruyvenit = prince, king, ruler rhwyfiadur, ruyfadur, rwyfyadur, rỼyfyadur = chief(tain), lord, leader, ruler, protector
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhwy(f) = king, lord, ruler, chieftain, leader rhwyfo = to have dominion over, govern, rule, lead, be ostentatious, live in splendour rhwyfanes = queen, lady rhwyfaniad = reign, government, rule, kingdom rhwyfanus = royal, kinglike, governing rhwyfenydd = prince, king, ruler rhwyf(i)adur = chief(tain), lord, leader, ruler, protector
Old Cornish	ruifanes = queen ruifadur = chief(tain), lord, leader
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruy, ruif = king, sovereign, ruler ruifanes, ruivanes = a female ruler, queen
Cornish (Kernewek)	ruvanes = queen ruvaneth = kingdom
Old Breton	roe = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	roe, roé, roue, rouè = king rouanes, roanez, rouanés = queen rouantelez, roeantelez = kingdom roueel = royal roueeler = royalist roueelezh = royalty roueelouriezh = royalism roueoni = reign
Breton (Brezhoneg)	roue = king rouanez = queen rouantelezh = kingdom, monarchy roueel = royal roueelezh = royalty roueelouriezh = royalism

Etymology: from Old French roi (king), from Latin rēgem (king, ruler, despot, tyrant), from Proto-Italic *rēks (king), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source].

Words from the same Latin root include re (king) in Italian, roi (king) in French, viceroy in English and rey (king) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brigantīnos = (someone) pre-eminent, outstanding
Proto-Brythonic	*brɨɣėntin [brɨɣe̝nˈtiːn] = lord, king
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	breenhin, breennin, breyenhin, brenhin = king brenhynes, brenhines = queen, goddess, queen bee brenineiziaw = to become kingly brenhynyaeth, brenhinyaeth = royalty, kingship, reign
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brenin [ˈbrɛnɪn / ˈbreːnɪn] = king, sovereign, monarch, head of region brenineiddio = to make/become regal/kingly, make (sb) a king breninesaidd = queen-like, queenly breninesol = queen-like, queenly, pertaining to a queen breningarol = royalist breniniaethu = to reign, govern breninoldeb = kingship, royalty brenhines = queen, goddess, queen bee brenhiniaeth = royalty, kingship, reign, government
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	brentyn, bryntyn = privileged, sovereign, noble, excellent
Cornish (KerneweK)	bryntin, brentin = grand, great, noble, splendid, superb
Old Breton	brientin, brientinion = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	brientin = aristocrat brientinelezh = aristocracy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brientin = aristocrat brientinel = aristocratic brientinelezh = aristocracy brienteg, brientek = privileged brientekaat = to favour briental = royalties

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰérǵʰonts (high), from *bʰerǵʰ- (to rise up, ascend) [source].

From the same Proto-Celtic root, , we get the tribal name *Brigantī (Brigantes – a Celtic tribe that occupied much of what is now northern England), Brigantia (a Celtic goddess of victory, and the territory of the Brigantes), the name Bridget, the Irish name Bríd, the Scottish Gaelic name Brìghde, the Manx name Breeshey, and the placenames such as Bragança (a city in northeastern Portugal), Bregenz (a city in western Austria) and Brianza (a city in northern Italy), [source].

English words from the same PIE root include bourgeois, burrow, fort and maybe burgler [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mechdeyrn, mychdeyrn, machdeyrn = king, lord, monarch, emperor mechteyrnged, mychteyrnged = tribute due to an overlord from an inferior lord
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mechdeyrn, mychdeyrn, machdeyrn = king, lord, monarch, emperor, God, tributary prince, viceroy mechdeyrnged, mychdeyrnged = tribute due to an overlord from an inferior lord
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	mychtern = sovereign, king mychternes = queen mychterneth = sovereignity, dominion, royalty, kingdom
Cornish (Kernewek)	myghtern, metern [mɪx’tɛrn] = king, monarch myghternes, meternes = monarch, queen myghterneth, meterneth = kingdom myghternses, meternses = kingship, monarchy
Old Breton	machtiern = king

Etymology: from Welsh mach (surety, guarantor, sponsor, hostage) and teyrn (sovereign, monarch, king) [source].

Source: Gerlyver Kernewek, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru

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

Trees, Wood(s) & Forests

25th December 201815th September 2023 By Simon

Words for tree, wood and related things in Celtic languages.

There are various words for tree in the modern Celtic languages. In each language the usual word for tree is different and comes from different roots. Only the Cornish and Breton words are cognate. The usual words for tree are: crann (Irish), craobh (Scottish Gaelic), billey (Manx), coeden (Welsh), gwedhen (Cornish) and gwezenn (Breton).

Proto-Celtic	*kʷresnom = tree, wood
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crann = tree crannchor = casting of lots crannda = wooden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crann, crand = tree, wood, timber, staff, pole, plank, beam, spearshaft, mast, steering oar, lot, destiny, fate crannach, cranncha = trees, grove, wooded place crannaige, crannaigi = shaft-trimmer, spearsman crannaigid = to cast lots crannán = small spearshaft crannchor, crannchur = casting of lots crannda, cranda = wooden, made of wood, wooded cranngal, crannghal = timber, wooden structure or object, spear (shaft) crannóc, crandoc = wooden structure, wooden drinking-container; basket, wooden lake-dwelling cranntáball = sling, staff-sling
Irish (Gaeilge)	crann [kɾˠaun̪ˠ / kɾˠan̪ˠ] = tree; mast, boom, pole; stock, handle; shaft, beam; stick crannach = stake-fence, forest of spears, arboreal, wooded crannadóir = arboriculturist, tree-climber crannadóireacht = arboriculture, tree-climbing crannail = timbering, timbers, lattice-work, ship’s masts crannán = wooden shaft, handle, wooden vessel, hardening stand (for bread) crannchur = casting of lots, sweepstake, lottery crannlach = brushwood, (withered) stalks, haulm crannmhar = full of trees, timbered, wooded crannóg = piece of wood, pole, wooden frame crannúil = tree-like, arborescent
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crann [kraun̪ˠ] = mast; plough; beam; lot (in drawing lots); tree (archaic) cranntair = wooden peg/pin crannghail = wooden frame crannach = pertaining to or abounding in masts, ploughs, beams, trees etc crannchur = destiny, lot, draw, lottery crannag = pulpit, crannog, island dun, crosstree crannlach = brushwood, lanky wood, dummy
Manx (Gaelg)	croan = boom, mast, flag pole creenagh = brushwood, wither crannag = dock, heap, desk, pulpit, rostrum, lookout
Gaulish	prenne = big tree
Proto-Brythonic	prenn [ˈprenː] = wood, tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pren, prenn = tree, bush, timber, wood prenvol, prenuol, prennol = (wooden) box, chest, coffer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pren [prɛn] = tree, bush, shrub; timber, wood, wooden; piece of wood, wooden stick; cross, gallows, gibbet prenfol = (wooden) box, chest, coffer, case, coffin preniaf, prennaf, prenio, prennu = to bolt (a door), bar, shut (sb) out prensaer = carpenter
Old Cornish	pren = wood
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pren = tree, wood, timber, a piece of wood, a lot prenic = wooden, woody prenne = to fasten with a piece of wood, to bar prennyer = pieces of wood
Cornish (Kernewek)	prenn [prɛn:] = bar, beam, log, timber, (gambling) lot , wooden prenna, predna = to bar, lock prennek = wooden, woody prennlown = plywood prennweyth = woodwork
Old Breton	pren = wood
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pren, prenn, preen = wood prennaff, prena, prenna = to close, block prennet = to lock
Breton (Brezhoneg)	prenn = wood, piece of wood, fastner prennañ = to close, fasten, shut

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷres (bush, thicket) [source]. Words from the same roots include hurst (wood, grove – used in placenames, e.g. Lyndhurst) in English, and Horst (eyrie, bush, thicket, small forest) in German [source]

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cráeb / cróeb = tree
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cráeb, craib = branch, bough, sprig, rod, wand, post, tree, bush cráebach, cræbacha = having branches, branchy, branches
Irish (Gaeilge)	craobh = branch, bough; tree craobhach = branches, branched, branching, flowing, spreading craobhaigh = to branch, ramify, expand, spread craobhóg = small branch, twig, sprig, spray, darling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	craobh [krɯːv] = tree, bush craobhaich = woody, wooded, full of trees, branching, spreading craobhag [krɯːvag] = small tree craobhadair [krɯːvədɪrʲ] = arborist, tree specialist
Manx (Gaelg)	crouw = stock, bush, dwarf tree, stick, bunch, wide spreading tree, tributary of river

Etymology: unknown, possibly from Proto-Celtic krētros (sieve) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*belyom = tree
Gaulish	*bilia [ˈbi.liaː] = tall tree
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bile [ˈbʲilʲe] = tree, especially a large, ancient, sacred one
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bile [ˈbʲilʲe] = (large) tree (esp. an ancient and venerated one), tree trunk, mast, scion, hero bilech = abounding in trees, (well-)wooded bileóc, biléog = leaf, leaflet
Irish (Gaeilge)	bile [ˈbʲɪlʲə] = (large, sacred) tree; scion; distinguished person bileog = leaf, letter of freedom (to marry) bileogach = leafy, laminated biliúil = tree-like, stately
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bile [bilə] = mast; plough; beam; lot (in drawing lots); tree (archaic); cluster of trees, sacred tree/grove bileach = leaf, amount of leaves, leafy tree bileag = blade (of vegetation), board, leaf, leaflet, pamphlet, ticket, label, slip (of paper) bileagach = lipped, billed, bladed, fringed, edged
Manx (Gaelg)	billey = tree, big bush billagh = tree, wooded, woody biljagh = arboreal, wooded billey
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bill, pill = (tree) trunk, stock, log, branch; fortress billwydd = kindling, firewood, sticks, brushwood; joists, laths
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pill [pɪɬ] = (tree) trunk, stock, log, branch, pole, stake, post; fortress, castle, stronghold, refuge, sanctuary, safety, strength, force; snatch of song, verse; still, crib; socket pillwydd = kindling, firewood, sticks, brushwood; joists, laths pillyn = peg
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bilh, bill = a felled tree trunk, log, lumber, timber bilh-koad = chunk of wood
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bill = trunk

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰolh₃yo- (leaf), from *bʰleh₃- (blossom, flower) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish, include bille (tree trunk, railway sleeper, rolling pin) and billon (a ridge in a ploughed field) in French, bilha (stem, trunk) in Provençal and possibly billa (spigot, faucet, stick) in Galician [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include folio and phyllo / fil(l)o (pastry), phyllomancy (diviniation by leaves) in English, feuille (leaf, sheet) in French, andhoja (leaf, petal, blade) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*widus = wood, trees
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fid = tree, wood, letter in Ogham fidchell = a boardgame similar to chess fidrad = trees, a wood
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fid = tree, wood, timber fidach = wooded, abounding in trees, timber fidchell = a boardgame similar to chess fidrad = trees, a wood, letter (in Oghan)
Irish (Gaeilge)	fiodh = tree, wood, timber fiodhach = abounding in trees, wooded fiodhneimheadh = sacred grove fiodhradh = trees, timbers, letters (literary) ficheall = chess, chess board
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fiodh [fjɤɣ] = wood, timber, wooden, made of wood fidhcheall = Celtic chess fiodhach [fjɤɣəx] = shrubbery, shrubs, cheese press; wooden, ligneous, woody fiodhan = cheese press fiodhrach [fjɤɣan] = timber
Manx (Gaelg)	fuygh = timber, wood fuyghagh, fuyghoil = ligneous, wooden, woody fuyghee = wooden feeal = chess
Proto-Brythonic	*gwɨð [ˈɡwɨːð] = wood, trees
Old Welsh	guid = tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guit, guyt, gwyd, gwŷdd = tree(s), forest, woods gvytbuil, gvydbvll = a chess-like boardgame guduit, gwyddfid, gwytuid, gwituid = wood, forest, bush, protective hedge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwŷdd [ɡwɨːð / ɡwiːð] = tree(s), branches, twigs; forest, woods, shrub(s); lineage, genealogical tree, stock; stem gwyddallt = wooded slope gwyddbwyll = chess; knowledge, learning, science, reason gwyddel = forest, grove, thicket, brake, wilderness gwyddfid = wood, forest, bush, protective hedge
Old Cornish	guit = trees
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwedh, gweydh, gwydh = trees gwedhen, gwedhan = tree gwydhbol = chess
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwydh [gwɪ:ð] = trees gwedhen = tree gwedhek = woodland gwedhlan = arboretum, tree plantation
Old Breton	guid = trees
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guez, guid, gwyd, gwydh = tree(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwez [ɡwe] = trees gwezenn = tree gwezeg = wooded gwezek = abounding in trees gwezboell = chess

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁weydʰh₁-. (tree, beam) [source]. Words from the same roots include wood in English, vid (firewood, wood) in Swedish, and ved (wood) in Danish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kaitos = wood, forest
Proto-Brythonic	koɨd [ˈkoɨ̯d] = wood, forest argoɨd = surrounding forest
Old Welsh	coit = wood, forest coetlann = copse, grove, woodland, wooded glade
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coyt, coit, koet, coet, coed = forest, wood, trees coedallt = wooded slope, hillside coedva, koedfa = grove, woodland, forest koedach = shrubs, brushwood coydiawc, coedawc, coedoc = woody, wooded coydiawl, koedolyon = silvan, rustic, wild coet, coedwig, coedwic = forest, wood
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coed [koːɨ̯d / kɔi̯d] = forest, wood, trees; shrubs; timber, pieces of wood coeden [koːɨ̯d / kɔi̯d] = tree coedaidd = silvan, arboraceous, woody, wooden coedallt = wooded slope, hillside coedfa = grove, woodland, forest coed(i)ach = shrubs, brushwood, underwood, withered branches coed(i)af), coed(i)o = to prop or timber a pit or shaft coed(i)og = woody, wooded, abounding with trees, silvan coed(i)ol = pertaining to wood or timber, silvan, rustic, wild coedlan = copse, grove, woodland, wooded glade coedwig = forest, wood argoed = trees, forest, surrounding forest
Old Cornish	cuit = wood, forest
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coys, coyd, coid = wood, forest
Cornish (Kernewek)	koos [ko:z / ku:z] = forest
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	coat, coet, coët = wood, forest
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koad [ˈkwɑːt] = wood, forest koadadur = afforestation, tree planting koadaj = panelling, woodwork koadeg = wooded, woody koader = to timber, panel, plant trees argoad = groove, copse, wooded

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kayt-/*ḱayt- (forest, wasteland, pasture) [source]. Words from the same roots include heath and heather in English, Heide (heath, heathland, woodland, forest) in German, hed (moor, waste land) in Swedish.

Ears

20th November 201823rd September 2024 By Simon

Words for ears, hares and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kloustā = ear, hearing
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clúas [kluːa̯s] = ear, hearing
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clúas, cluas = (sense of) hearing, ear clúasach, clūasach = pleasing to the ear, having (big) ears or handles, big-eared
Irish (Gaeilge)	cluas [klˠuəsˠ] = ear; ear-shaped object; lug, handle; cleat; tab; corner, margin cluasach = having ears, long-eared cluasachán = long-eared person or animal cluasaí = listener, eavesdropper cluasaíocht = eavesdropping, whispering, listening, talking in a furtive manner cluasán = earphone, headphone cluasánach = listless, inattentive person cluasántacht = listlessness, inattention
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cluas [kl̪ˠuəs] = ear, lug, handle cluasach [kl̪ˠuəsəx] = pertaining to ears, aural, having (a) handle(s) cluasachan [kl̪ˠuəsəxan] = pillow cluasag [kl̪ˠuəsag] = pillow, bolster cluasagach [kl̪ˠuəsagəx] = pertaining to or abounding in pillows cluasaire [kl̪ˠuəsɪrʲə] = (person with) bigs ears cluasan [kl̪ˠuəsan] = earphone, headset
Manx (Gaelg)	cleaysh [kleːʃ] = ear, cleat, handle, lug, top corner of net, corner of sail cleayshagh = aural, (large-)eared, lugged cleayshtynagh = audible, listener
Proto-Brythonic	*klʉst = ear
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clust = ear, hearing, handle clustueinyd, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustiog, klustioc = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustot, clustog, clustoc = cushion, pillow, bolster
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clust [klɨːst / klɪst] = ear, sense of hearing, attention, willingness to listen; handle of a vessel, tag of a boot, top part of a bell; creek or inlet; auricle (of the heart) clustfeinio = to listen closely or attentively, prick up the ears, eavesdrop clustfeiniol = listening attentively or intently clustfeiniwr, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustffon, clustffôn = earphone, headphone clustiog = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustog = cushion, pillow, bolster clustogi = to cushion, pillow, bolster up, upholster

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlow-steh₂, from *ḱlew- (to hear) [source]. Words from the same roots include clement, client, listen and loud in English, quaj (to call, name, value, declare) in Albanian, luid (loud, sound, assertion) in Dutch, sláva (fame, glory) in Czech, and hljóður (quiet, silent) in Icelandic [source].

Words for Hearing, Fame and Renown in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE roots.

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgiarnag, sgibearnag = hare
Proto-Brythonic	skuβarn = ear skuβarnọg = hare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	esgyuarn, ysgyuarn, yscyfarn, yskyuarn = ear ysgyuarnauc, yscyfarnawc, y scyuarnaỽc, ysgyuarnawc, yscyfarnoc = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgyfar(n) = ear (y)sgyfarnog, sgwarnog = hare ysgyfarnogaidd = harelike, leporine
Old Cornish	scouarn = ear scouarnoc = hare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scovarn, scouarn, scovern, scovorn, scoforn = ear scovarnog, scowarnak, scowarnog = hare
Cornish (Kernewek)	skovarn [‘skɔvarn / ‘skɔvɐrn] = ear, handle skovarnek = hare
Old Breton	scobarn = ear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scouarn = ear scouarnec = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skouarn [skwarn] = ear, gills, handle skouarnad [ˈskwar.nat] = a slap (on the ear) skouarnañ = to garnish with an ear or handle skouarnata [skwarˈnatːa] = to slap, to rub or pull ears skouarneg [ˈskwar.nɛk] = hare skouarnek [ˈskwar.nɛk] = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewh₁- (to observe, perceive) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include cautious, caveat and show in English, schouwen (to inspect, examine) in Dutch, schauen (to look, watch, view) in German, and cauto (prudent, cautious, sly) in Italian [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	giorria [ˈɟɪɾˠiə/ˈɟaɾˠiə] = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geàrr [gʲaːr̪ˠ] = hare gearrach [gʲar̪ˠəx] = hare giorrasach [gʲir̪ˠəsəx] = hare geàrr-fhiadh = hare gearrag [gʲar̪ˠag] = leveret, young hare

Etymology: from Old Irish gerr (short) and fíad (deer, wild animal(s)) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	míl maige = hare
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	míl maige = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	maigheach [mɤjəx] = hare
Manx (Gaelg)	mwaagh = hare cha follan as mwaagh = brimful of health (“as healthy as a hare”)

Etymology: from Old Irish míl (animal) and mag (plain, field) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kasnī = hare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	Cainnech = personal name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ceinach = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceinach [ˈkei̯naχ] = hare (archaic – originally meant “(the) grey/white one”) ceinachgi = harrier, hare-hound

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱeh₂s- (hare). Words from the same PIE root include hare in English, haas (hare) in Dutch, Hase (hare) in German, and hase (female rabbit, hare) in French [source].

Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gad = hare
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gat = hare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gad [ɡɑːt] = hare

Etymology: unknown [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

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].

Full

23rd October 201818th May 2024 By Simon

Words for full and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸlānos = full
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lán [l͈aːn] = full láine = fullness línad = filling
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lán, lan = full, filled (with), whole, complete
Irish (Gaeilge)	lán [l̪ˠɑːnˠ / l̪ˠæːnˠ] = full, pride, arrogance lánaigh = to fill out, give volume to, mould lánán = charge, filling iomlán = all, the whole, total, aggregate, full, whole, complete
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làn [l̪ˠaːn] = full, replete; complete; filled, sat(iat)ed, satisfied; fullness; high tide; complement, fill lànach[l̪ˠaːnəx] = filling, fruitful lànachadh [l̪ˠaːnəxəɣ] = fulness, plentitude, prime lànmhòr [̪ˠaːn(v)ər] = full, complete, plentiful làntachd [[l̪ˠaːn̪ˠdəxg] = plethora iomlan [imil̪ˠan] = full, complete, whole, entire
Manx (Gaelg)	lane [lɛdn] = full, replete, crowded, swelling, fully, total, gravid, lot, unexpurgated (edition), much, loaded, plenary, sound, full-blooded, at full strength laneid = fullness, repletion, satiety lhieeney = to fill (in/out), load, flow lhieent = completed, filled, full, fullfilled, stuffed
Proto-Brythonic	*lọn [ˈlɔːn] = full
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llawn, llaunt = full llewny, llaỽna, lleỽni, llewni = to full llawnder = abundance, plenty, fullness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawn [ɬau̯n] = full; covered, saturated; filled to capacity; teeming with, abounding in; charged with emotion llawnaeth = fullness, plentitude, plenty, abundance llawnaf, llewni, llawnu = to full, satiate, be filled llawnder = abundance, plenty, fullness llawnedig = filled
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	leun, luen, lên = full, replete, complete
Cornish (Kernewek)	leun [lø:n / le:n] = full, complete, thorough, total leun a dus = crowded leun a styr = meaningful leunder = fill, fullness leunhe = to fill
Old Breton	lon = full
Middle Breton	leun = full leunhat = to fill leunyaff = to fill, complete leunidigaez, leunydigaez = fullness, filling, supply
Breton (Brezhoneg)	leun [ˈlœ̃ːn] = full, covered leunaat = to fill leunded = fullnes leunder = entirety leuniadur = to fill, complete leuniañ [ˈlœ̃njã] = to fill, complete leunidigezh = filling

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *pl̥h₁nós (full), from *pleh₁- (to fill) [source]. Words from the same roots include complete, fill, full, plain and plenty in English, voll (full, filled, drunk) in German, lleno (full) in Spanish, plein (full, plenty, solid) in French [source].

Young

7th October 201818th November 2023 By Simon

Words for young in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*yowankos = young
Gaulish	Iouinca = name (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	óc [oːɡ] = young, young man, warrior ócbad = young people, youths óclach = young man, warrior, servant
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	óc = young, young man, warrior, poet ócbad, ócbud = young folk, youths, youth óclach, ócleach = young man, warrior, attendant, servant, vassal
Irish (Gaeilge)	óg [oːɡ/ɔːɡ] = young (person, animal, bird), youth, junior, minor, new, fresh, early ógánach = young man, youth, crafty person, boyo, trickster óigeanta = youthful, youthful-looking óigeantacht = youthfulness óglach = young man, (young) warrior), attendant, servant, vassal, volunteer óglachas = manhood, warriorship, armed service, vassalage ógra = young people, youths
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òg [ɔːg] = young, youthful ògail [ɔːgal] = adolescent, youthful ògalachd [ɔːgəl̪ˠəxg] = youthfulness, youth, youthful conduct ògan [ɔːgan] = tendril, twig, seedling, lambkin òganach [ɔːganəx] = youth, young man, bough òganta [ɔːgən̪ˠdə] = juvenile
Manx (Gaelg)	aeg [ɛːɡ] = young, adolescent, immature, juvenile aegey = young, juvenile aegid = adolescence, immaturity, young people, youth aeglagh = adolescent, juvenile, young ones, youth aegoil = youngish, youthful
Proto-Brythonic	*jowank = young
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ieuangc, yeueing, yeuejg, yefeink, ieuanc, ieueinc = young, juvenille, unmarried ieu, iau = younger yeuhaf, yeuaw, ieuhaf, ieuaf = (the) youngest euectyt, euenctit, ieuegtit, ieuengtit = youth, adolescence
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ifanc [ˈɪvaŋk / ˈiːvaŋk] = young, youthful, adolescent; inexperienced, immature; recent; unmarried, newly wed iau, ieuach, ifach = younger, not as old ieuaf, i(e)faf = (the) youngest, the younger (of two), junior ieuant = young person, youth, adolescence ieuenctid = youth, adolescence
Old Cornish	iouenc, youonc = young
Middle Cornish	yowync, iouenc, youonc = young, youthful yonc = young, youthful, juvenile yowyncneth = youth, youthfulness
Cornish (Kernewek)	yowynk, yonk [‘jɔwɪŋk/jɔˑŋk] = juvenille, young, youthful yowynka, yonka = younger yonker, yonkores = youngster, youth yowynkneth, yonkneth = youth
Middle Breton	youanc, ioanc, iouanc = young yaouancquat, youancat, youanchat = to rejuvenate yaouanctet, iaouanctet = youth(fulness)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yaouank = young yaouankaat = to rejunvenate yaouankadur = rejunvenation yaouank(t)iz = youth yaouankted = youth(fulness)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂yuh₁n̥ḱós (young), from *h₂yéwHō (young), from *h₂óyu (long time, lifetime) [source].

Words from the same roots include young and youth in English, jeudg (youth) in Dutch, Jugend (youth) in German, jeune (young) in French and joven (young(ster), youth(ful), young person) in Spanish [source].

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

Bad

5th October 20183rd November 2023 By Simon

Words for bad and related things in Celtic languages.

Good

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*drukos = bad
Gaulish	druco- = bad
Old Irish (Goídelc)	droch [drox] = bad, ill
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	droch = bad
Irish (Gaeilge)	droch [drɔx] = bad, poor, evil, ill, un- drochbhéas = vice, bad habit drochmheas = contempt drochobair = bad work, mischief drochrath = ill luck, misfortune drochrud = bad thing, inferior thing, bad/evil person, devil drochrún = evil intention drochuair = evil hour, unfortunate occasion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	droch [drɔx] = bad, evil, wicked, mischievous, sad, calamitous, dark, obscure, secretive droch-aigne = ill-will droch-allaidh = libel droch-chòrdadh = disagreement droch-fhàistinneach = ominous droch-mhèin = malice droch-thuarach = sinister
Manx (Gaelg)	drogh [drɔx] = evil, wicked, bad, abusive, unenviable, misfortune, badness, ill, sinister, vile drogh aghtalys = misbehaviour, misconduct drogh chaaynt = bad language, smut, swearing drogh chonagh = misfortune drogh hraghtey = to smuggle, smuggling drogh oor = bad luck, ill-times, misfortune
Proto-Brythonic	*drug = bad
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	druc, dryg, drỽc, drwc = bad drycaruer , drygarver, drycarver = bad habit, abuse, misuse drygdafod = scurrilous language, evil tongue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drwg [druːɡ] = bad, rotten, putrid; poor, piteous, wretched; sorry, grievous, sad; unfavourable, causing disquiet; injurious, harmful; unpleasant (taste); indecent, obscene (words); counterfeit, false; bad; harsh, cruel, severe, ruthless; corrupt, depraved, sinful, wicked, mischievous, naughty strong>drwgabsen = malicious defamation, slander drwgafer = bad habit, abuse, misuse drwgdafod = scurrilous language, evil tongue drwgenwog = infamous, notorious, disreputable
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	droc, drôg, drog = evil, wickedness, harm, injury, wrong, bad, wicked, hurtful, mischievous droca, droga = worst drocoleth = an evil deed, ill doing, injury, damage droga, droaga = to do harm, hurt, injure drogbrederys = evil-minded, malicious, envious drogbres = ill will, spite, grudge drogdavasec = ill-tongued, foul-mouthed, back-biting, reviling drogger = ill report, infamy, reproach droggeriit = infamous, reproachful droggras = revenge, requital drogober, drôk-ober = an evil deed, a crime
Cornish (Kernewek)	drog [drɔ:g / dro:g] = bad, harm, hurt, ill, wrong, evil, invalid, nasty, naughty, wicked, wrong drogdybi = to suspect drogedh = vice drogfara = to behave badly drogga = wrong droghandla = to abuse, mishandle droglam = accident, crash, mishap drogober = crime drogboeror, drogoberores criminal, culprit drogura = to smear drokoleth = widkedness drokter = wickedness
Middle Breton (Brezoneg)	drouc = bad, illness, anger drouc Ælez = the devil, bad angel drouc auantur = misfortune, bad luck droucyez, drouguyez = wickedness, malice, animosity drouc = drouc =
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drouk [druːk] = bad, evil, naughty droug [druːk] = bad, wickedness drougiezh [druˈɡiːɛs] = wickedness, malice, animosity droukrañsus [druˈɡrãsːys] = angry, resentful droukaat = to become bad, make bad drouziwezh [dru.ˈziː.wɛs] = defeat, disaster dizrouk [ˈdi.zruk] = inoffensive, without anger

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰrewgʰ- (to deceive) [source]. Word from the same roots include dream in English, droom (dream) and driegen (to deceive) in Dutch, Traum (dream) and trügen (to deceive, be deceptive) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dognawos = badly grown (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dona [ˈdona] = unlucky, unfortunate
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dona = unfortunate, unlucky, wretched donaide = ill-disposed, wretched donán = miserable creature, wretch donas = ill-luck, misfortune, calamity donogad = act of making wretched
Irish (Gaeilge)	dona [ˈd̪ˠɔn̪ˠə/ˈd̪ˠʌnˠə] = unfortunate, unlucky, bad, poor, wretched, ill donacht = badness, wretchedmess, misfortune, illness donagar = bad condition, misfortune donaigh = to make worse, aggravate, become word, deteriorate, injure, maim donaire = wretch donaireacht = wretchedness donaisín = little wretch, weakling donas = ill-luck, misfortune, affliction, misery, mischief
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dona [dɔnə] = bad, not well donachas [dɔnəxəs] = mischief, harm, bad luck, mishap, devil donachd [dɔnəxg] = mischief, harm, bad luck, mishap donad [dɔnəd] = degree of badness, severity donadas [dɔnədəs] = badness, evil donas [dɔnəs] = mischief, harm, bad luck, devil donasag [dɔnəsag] = imp
Manx (Gaelg)	donney [ɔlk] = calamitous, ill-advised, inauspicious, unfortunate, unlucky, very ill, woeful, unhappy donnan = dolt, dunce, stupid person, worse donnys = affliction, bad luck, mischief, woe

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same root include can, canny, gnome, ignore, know and quaint in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ulkos = evil, bad
Old Irish (Goídelc)	olc [olk] = bad, evil olcas = badness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	olc, olcc = evil, bad, wrong, misfortune olcach = hurtful, injurious, harm, injury olcas = badness
Irish (Gaeilge)	olc [ɔl̪ˠk] = evil, harm, bad, harmful, poor, wretched, ill-disposed, hardly, scarcely olcach = causing evil, harmful, injurious. olcas = badness, evil, bad state, bad nature, spite
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	olc [ɔl̪ˠxg] = evil, wicked, bad, infamous, ill, iniquity olcag [ɔl̪ˠxgag] = little brat (female) olcair [ɔl̪ˠxgɛrʲ] = evildoer olcas [ɔl̪ˠxgəs] = wickedness, badness
Manx (Gaelg)	olk [ɔlk] = bad, evil, ill, injury, lousy, truculence, unfavourable, vicious, wicked, mischief, naughty, sinful olkeyr = criminal, culprit, evil-doer, offender, mischief-maker olkid = badness, evilness olkys = badness, evilness, iniquity, mischief olkyssagh = baleful, elfish, diabolical, iniquitous, malicious, malignant, mischievous, naughty, vicious, wicked

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁elḱ- (bad [?]) [source]. Words from the same root include ill and possibly ulcer in English, illa (badly, poorly, not well) in Swedish, and ilkeä (bad, mean, wicked, evil) in Finnish [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, 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: German (Deutsch)

Kings and Queens

Trees, Wood(s) & Forests

Ears

Legs & Feet

Full

Young

Bad