Betwixt and Between

6th February 2024 By Simon

Here are some words for betwixt, between, among and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*enter = betwen
Gaulish	Entarabo = name of a god
Celtiberian	enterara = between
Old Irish (Goídelc)	eter = between etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) etir, itir = between him etron(n), etrunn = between us etruib = between you (pl) etarru, etarro = between them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	eter, etir, etar-, etr- = inter-, between, among etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) eadra, etir = between him etronn, etrunn, eadrainn, eadroinn = between us etruib, eadruibh, eadraibh = between you (pl) et(t)arru, etarro, etorro = between them
Irish (Gaeilge)	idir [ˈɪdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛd̪ˠəɾʲ] = between, both eadrainn = between us eadraibh = between you (pl) eatarthu = between them idirchéim = interval idircheol = interlude idirchuir = to interpose idirfhigh = to interweave idirmhír = intersection idirlíon = internet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eadar [edər] = between eadarainn = between us eadaraibh = between you (pl) eatarra = between them eadar-aghaidh [edərˈɤ.ɪ] = interface eadar-cheangailte = interconnected eadar-cheangal = interlinking, interconnecting, communications eadar dà sgeul = incidentally (“between two stories”) eadar-dhealtaichte = parted, separated, differing, distinct eadar-lìon = internet eadar-theangachadh = translating, translation
Manx (Gaelg)	eddyr [ˈɛðˌər] =between, betwixt eddyr ain = between us eddyr eu = between you (pl) eddyr oc = between them eddyr-ashoonagh = international(ist) eddyrcheim = interval eddyr-chianglt = interconnected eddyr-ghoaillagh = intermediary eddyr-hengaghey = to interpret, interpretation eddyr-voggyl = internet
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨntr = between
Old Welsh	ithr = between
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ythr = between
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ynter, yntré = between, among yntredho = between him yntredhon = between us ynterdhoch, yntredhouch = between ye yntredhe = between them
Cornish (Kernewek)	ynter, yntra = between ynterdhyskyblethek = interdisciplinary ynterfas = interface
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ithr = between, among
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	entre, intre = between, among
Breton (Brezhoneg)	etre [e.ˈtre] = between, intermediate, while, as long as etrezon = between me entrezout = between you (sg) entrezañ = between him entrezi = between her etrezomp = between us entrezoc’h = between you (pl) entrezo, entreze = between them etrebazhin, etrebazhiñ = to interpose etrekeltiek = inter-Celtic etrelakaat = to interpose etrevroadel = international

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁entér (between), from *h₁én (in) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include enter and under in English. onder (under, downwards) in Dutch, unter (under, below, among, between) in German, ndër (between, among, in, through) in Albanian [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between rhyngddo i = between me rhyngddot ti = between you (sg) rhyngddo fe/fo = between him rhyngddi hi = between her rhyngddon ni = between us rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl) rhyngddyn nhw = between them rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory rhyngrwyd = internet rhyngwladol = international cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)

rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between
kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Welsh (Cymraeg)

rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between
rhyngddo i = between me
rhyngddot ti = between you (sg)
rhyngddo fe/fo = between him
rhyngddi hi = between her
rhyngddon ni = between us
rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl)
rhyngddyn nhw = between them
rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected
rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory
rhyngrwyd = internet
rhyngwladol = international
cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	plith, plyth = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst ymplith, em plyth, ymlith, ymhlith = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plith = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst plithdraphlithdod = confusion, disorder plithwrtaith = compost tryblith = chaos, disorder, muddle ymhlith [əmˈɬiːθ] = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with

Etymology: unknown [source].

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

Cauldrons and Kettles

30th January 20243rd February 2024 By Simon

Words for cauldron, kettle, pot and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷaryos = cauldron
Gaulish	*parios = cauldron
Old Irish (Goídelc)	coire [ˈkorʲe] = cauldron
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	coire [ˈkorʲə] = cauldron, pot, whirlpool coirén = little pot
Irish (Gaeilge)	coire [ˈkɛɾʲə] = large pot, cauldron, boiler, corrie, cirque, amphitheatre, deep mountain hollow, pit, whirlpool coire bolcáin = volcanic crater
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coire [kɔrʲə] = kettle, corrie, cauldron coireag [kɔrʲag] = small kettle, small corrie, small cauldron
Manx (Gaelg)	coirrey = cauldron, boiler, pothole, hollow in hills, corrie, maelstrom, vent of volcano
Proto-Brythonic	*pėr = cauldron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	peyr, peir, pair = cauldron peireit, peried = cauldron(ful)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pair [ˈpai̯r] = cauldron, large pot, boiler, melting-pot peiran = corrie, cwm, cirque (in geology) peir(i)aid = cauldron(ful)
Old Cornish	per = cauldron
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	per = cauldron, kettle, boiler, furnace
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	per = cauldron
Breton (Brezhoneg)	per [ˈpeːr] = cauldron

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kʷer- (to do, make, build). Words from the same roots include Britain, Brittany and karma in English, and words for time and shape in Celtic languages [source].

The city of Paris in France gets it name from Lutetia Parisiorum (Lutetia of the Parīsiī), a Gallo–Roman town that was established on the Left Bank of the Seine after the Romans conquered the local Gaulish tribe, the Parisioi, or Parīsiī in Latin, in 52 BC. The Gaulish name *Parisioi comes from Gaulish *parios (cauldron) [source].

Old Welsh	calaur = cauldron, cooking pot, boiler, kettle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kallaur, kallawr, callor, callawr = cauldron, cooking pot, boiler, kettle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	callor, callawr = cauldron, cooking pot, boiler, kettle calloriad = the fill or contents of a cauldron calloryn = a small cauldron, skillet, kettle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	caltor = kettle
Cornish (Kernewek)	kalter = kettle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cauter = boiler, cauldron, cooking pot
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kaoter [ˈko.tɛr] = boiler, cooking pot kaoteriad [kɔ.ˈtɛ.rjat] = contents of a pot, Cotriade /Brittany Fish Stew, fish that fishermen bring home for meals primgaoter [prim.ˈɡo.tɛr] = pressure cooker

Etymology: from Latin caldāria (warm bath, kettle, cooking pot, cauldron, from caldārius (hot water), from cal(i)dus (warm, hot) [source]. The English word cauldron comes from the same roots, as do chowder, caldera and nonchalant [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

Stormy Weather

27th January 2024 By Simon

Words for storm and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sīnā = weather
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sín [ˈsʲiːn/ˈsʲiːnʲ] = storm, tempest, (bad) weather
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sín = bad weather, storm, weather, season, circumstances, atmosphere, attitude
Irish (Gaeilge)	síon = weather (usually bad, stormy) síonra = atmospheric agencies, elements
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sian [ʃiən] = violent weather, the elements, whizzing sound, squall, shriek sianach [ʃiənəx] = stormy, squally, shrieking sianail = (act of) shrieking, yelling siantach [ʃiən̪ˠdəx] = pertaining to generally bad weather marcach-siana = spindrift (spray coming off stormy sea), undulating (sheets of) rain uisge nan seachd sian = almighty downpour, cloudburst, deluge, rainstorm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hin = (bad) weather, air hinda, hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hin = (bad) weather, air hindreuliad = a weathering hindreuliaf, hindreulio = to weather hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinddanaf, hinddanu = to become fine, clear up (of weather) hinfynag, = barometer hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinonaf, hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun hinsawdd = climate
Cornish (Kernewek)	hin = climate hinek = climatic
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hynon = serene, clear weather
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hin = climate hinon = serene, serenity hinoniñ = to have a peaceful time

Etymology: possibly related to Proto-Celtic *sīniti (to stretch, extend), from *sīros (long), from PIE *seh₁- (long, lasting), or *temp- (to stretch) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	anfud = tempest, storm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	anbod, anfud = tempest, storm, turbulence, fury, rage anfadach = stormy, perturbed, agitated
Irish (Gaeilge)	anfa [ˈanˠəfˠə] =storm, tempest anfach = stormy, rough, tempestuous anfacht = storminess

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doinenn = stormy weather, tempest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doinenn = foul or stormy weather, tempest doinennta = stormy, tempestuous, inclement
Irish (Gaeilge)	doineann [ˈd̪ˠɪn̠ʲən̪ˠ] = stormy weather, storm. wintriness, cheerlessness doineanta = stormy, wild, inclement (weather), wintry, cheerless (person) doineantach = cheerless, cold-mannered, person; gloomy old man doineantacht = storminess, inclemency (weather), wintriness, cheerlessness (demeanour)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	doineann [dɤn̪ʲan̪ˠ] = storm, tempest doineannach [dɔn̪ʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy doireannach [dɔrʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	dorrin = storm, tempest dorrinagh = stormy, tempestuous dorrinys = storminess, tempestuousness, raging

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	stoirm = storm
Irish (Gaeilge)	stoirm [ˈsˠt̪ˠɪɾʲəmʲ] = storm, bluster, rage stoirmeach = stormy, tempestuous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	stoirm [sdɤrʲɤm] = storm stoirmeil [sdɤrʲɤmal] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	sterrym = storm sterrymagh = stormy sterrymid = storminess
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ystorm, ystorym = storm, tempest
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)storm = storm, tempest (y)stormio = to become stormy, bluster, rain heavily, rant, scold (y)stormus = stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, boisterous

Etymology: from Middle English storm (storm, dispute, brawl, fight), from Old English storm (storm), from Proto-West-Germanic *sturm (storm), from Proto-Germanic *sturmaz (storm), from PIE *(s)twerH- (to stir up, agitate, urge on, propel) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyd = weather
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywydd [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ð / ˈtəu̯.ɪð] = weather, bad or stormy weather tywyddiant = meterology tywyddol = pertaining to the weather
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewedh = storm tewedha = to weather

Etymology: unknown

More about words for weather (and time) in Celtic languages.

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

Bees

17th January 2024 By Simon

Words for bee, sting and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bekos/bikos = bee
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bech [bʲex] = bee
Middle Irish	bech [bʲex] = bee bechlann [bʲex] = beehive bechatoir, beachadoir = (hereditary) beekeeper bechda = full of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	beach [bʲax] = bee beachaire = beekeeper, beehive beachaireacht = beekeeping beachlann = apiary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beach [bɛx] = bee, wasp beachach [bɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in bees or wasps beachair [bɛxɪrʲ] = beehive beachan [bjaxər̪ˠn̪ˠ] = small bees or wasps
Proto-Brythonic	*bɨg = bee
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	byg = bee bedaf, bydaf = bees’ nest, beehive bygegyr = drone
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bygegyr, begegyr = drone bydaf = swarm or nest of (wild) bees, bees’ nest and honey therein, beehive

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰik-/bʰoyk- (bee), from*bʰey- (bee) [source]. Words from the same roots include bee in English, and fuco (drone – male bee) in Italian [source].

Middle Irish	teillenn = swarm of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	seileán = (wild) honey bee
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seillean [ʃel̪ʲan] = bee
Manx (Gaelg)	shellan [ˈʃɛlʲan] = bee shelleig, shellaig = beehive, hive

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wan-inyo- = bee (?)
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee gwenynllestyr = beehive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwenyn = bees gwenynen = bee gwenynaf, gwenynu = to keep bees gwenynllais = a humming (of bees) gwenynlle = beehive gwenynog = apiary, bee-garden, pertaining to bees, abounding in bees gwenynydd = beekeeper, apiarist gwenynyddiaeth = beekeeping
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwenen = bees gwenenen = bee gwenen sia = bumble bee
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guenan, guënan = bees guenanenn, guennanen = bee
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwenan, gwenen, gweren = bees gwenanenn = bee gwenaneg = apiary gwenaner = beekeeper gwenanerezh = beekeeping, apiculture

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *wano- (tip, sting) [source], from PIE *gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill). Words from the same root include bane, defend, fence and gun , and words for to stab, sting, wound, etc. in Celtic languages (see below) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gʷaneti = to strike, wound, kill, slay
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gonaid [ˈɡonɨðʲ] = to pierce, wound con·goin = to pierce, wound
Middle Irish	gonaid = to pierce, wound
Irish (Gaeilge)	goin = to wound, stab, sting, hurt goinbhlasta = piquant goineach = wounding, piercing, hurtful goineadóir = wounder, sharp-tongued person goineog = stab, sting, prick, cutting remark, thrust, gibe goineogacht = cutting remarks, gibing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goin [gɔn̪ʲ] = wound, stab, sting, stabbing, stinging goineag [gɔnag] = nip, pinch, twitch, canine (tooth) goineanta [gɔn̪ʲən̪ˠdə] = keen, piercing gointe [gɔn̪ʲdʲə] = sorely wounded, bewitched gointeach [gɔn̪ʲdʲəx] = wounding, stabbing, stinging, agonizing
Manx (Gaelg)	guin = pain, stitch, pang guinn = insect bite, pain, smart guinney = needle, pain, sting, wound, wounding gonnid = pain, peevishness, smarting, soreness
Proto-Brythonic	gwėnɨd [ɡwe̝ˈnɨːð] = to strike, kill ėdwėnɨd = to strike again
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gvant, guant, gwanu = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanu [ˈɡwanɨ̞ / ˈɡwa(ː)ni] = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce, perforate, penetrate, kill, strike, thrust (also written gwanaf or gwân)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwane = to thrust, penetrate, pierce, stab, stick gwenys, gwynys = pierced, stabbed, stung
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwana = to pierce, stab, sting gwan = jab, prick, sting omwana = to stab oneself
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goano, goanaff, goan = to prick, grip, squeeze, annoy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwanañ = to sting, punish, macerate gwanerezh = maceration gwanikennan = to prick

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰénti (to be striking down, killing, slaying), from*gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill) [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

Modestly Humble

10th January 202410th January 2024 By Simon

Words for modest and related things in Celtic languages.

Modestly Humble

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*wēlos = modest
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíal [fʲiːa̯l] = becoming, generous, genteel, seemly, well-bred
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fíal = decorous becoming, seemly (of conduct or behavious), modest, chaste, well-bred, honourable, noble fíalmar = noble-natured, generous
Irish (Gaeilge)	fial [fʲiəlˠ] = seemly, proper, noble, generous, hospitable fialmhaireacht = open-handedness, generosity fialmhaitheas = goodness of heart, generosity fialmhar = open-handed, generous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fial [fiəl̪ˠ] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fial-chridheachd = altruism fial-inntinneach = open-minded, liberal-minded fialach [fiəl̪ˠəx] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fialachd [fiəl̪ˠəxg] = generosity, liberality fialaiche = provider of hospitality
Manx (Gaelg)	feoilt = benevolent, bountiful, generous, munificent feoiltagh = benevolent, bounteous, free, lavish, liberal, unselfish
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guiled = shame
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guyl, gwyl, gŵyl = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive guilat, gwylat = merry, glad, lively gwylder = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gvilet, gwylet, gwyled = modesty, humility, gentleness, shame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵyl = [ɡuːɨ̯l/ɡʊi̯l] = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive, mild, tender, gentle, gracious, joyous, glad, generous, kind gwylad = merry, glad, lively gwyldeb = modesty, bashfulness gwylader, gwyldra = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gwyledd = modesty, humility, gentleness, meekness, courtesy, graciousness, joy, shame

Etymology: possibly from the PIE *wey- (turn) or *wāg- (to be bent), which is related to vagus (wandering, roaming) in Latin, from which we get the English words vague and vagabond [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	umal [ˈuṽal] = humble, obedient umaldóit = humility umlaigid = to humble
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	umal = humble, obedient, submissive umaldóit, omaldóit, umallóit = humility uimligid, huimligte, umlaigid = to humble
Irish (Gaeilge)	umhal [uəl̪ˠ/uːlˠ] = humble, submissive, lithe, supple, plant umhlaigh = to humble, bow, submit, obey, stoop umhlaíocht = humility, submission, obedience, dutifulness, respect umhlóid = humility, submission, lowly service, attendence, ministration, suppleness, pliancy umhlú = genuflection, curtsey, obesiance, submission
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	umhal [ũ.əl̪ˠ] = submissive, obedient, humble, lowly, meek
Manx (Gaelg)	imlee = humble, lowly, menial, simple imlagh = humble, humbling imlaghey = humble, stoop
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	humil = humble
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	huvyll, uvell = merry, glad, lively uỽyl, vffil = humble, meek, submissive ufullder, uvyllder = humility uỽyltaỽd, uvylldaỽt, vuildaud, vffyldaud = humility
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ufyl = humble, meek, submissive ufyllter, ufullter = humility ufylltod, ufulltod, ufelltod, hufylltod = humility hyful = humble
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Cornish (Kernewek)	uvel = humble, lowly, modest uvelder = humility
Middle Breton	vuel, uuel = humble, meek, lowly uffuelhat = to humiliate (oneself) vuelaff, uvelañ = to humble oneself vueldet, vuheltet = humility, humbleness, meekness vulder, vuelder, uffuelter = humility, humbleness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	uvel [ˈyː.vɛl] = humble, meek, lowly uvelded, uvelder = humility, humbleness, meekness uvelaat = to humiliate

Etymology: from the Latin humilis (low, lowly, small, slight, shallow), which is also the root of the English word humility, the French humilité (humility), and the humildad (humility, humbleness) [source].

The Cornish word klor means meek, mild, moderate, modest and klorder means modesty. Their origins are not known

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

Barnacles & Limpets

6th January 20246th January 2024 By Simon

Words for barnacle, limpet and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*barinākos = barnacle, limpet
Gaulish	*barinākā = barnacle, limpet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	*bairnech = limpet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bairnech, báirnech = limpet(s)
Irish (Gaeilge)	bairneach [ˈbˠɑːɾˠn̠ʲəx] = limpet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàirneach [baːr̪ˠn̪ʲəx] = barnacle, limpet
Manx (Gaelg)	baarnagh, barnagh, bayrnagh = barnacle guiy bayrnag = barnacle goose
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brennik = limpets
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brennig = limpets brenigen = limpet
Middle Cornish	brennic = limpets brennigen = limpet
Cornish (Kernewek)	brennik = limpets brenigen, bernigen = limpet
Middle Breton	brennik = limpet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brennig [ˈbrɛ.nːik] = barnacles, limpets brennigenn = barnacle, limpet brennika = to fish for limpets brennikaer = limpet fisherman

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *barinā (rocky ground), and *-ākos (involved with, belonging to) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via the Gaulish *barinākā and the Latin barnēca (barnacle goose, barnacle, limpet), include bernache (barnacle) in French, barnacle in English, barnacla (brent/brant goose – Branta bernicla) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gigrann = barnacle goose
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	gigrann, giugrann = wild goose, barnacle goose
Irish (Gaeilge)	giúrann = barnacle, shipworm, barnacle (goose) giúrannach = encrusted with barnacles
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	giùran [gʲuːran] = barnacle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwyran = barnacle goose, barnacles
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyran = barnacle goose, barnacles
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	goirann = barnacle goose, barnacles

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Celtic *gezdā (goose) – probably of imitative origin [source]. For more details of words for goose in Celtic languages, this post.

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

Dinner

5th January 20245th January 2024 By Simon

Words for dinner and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	din(n)ér = repast, meal
Irish (Gaeilge)	dinnéar [dʲɪˈnʲeːɾˠ] = dinner am dinnéir = dinner-time foreann dinnéir = dinner-service
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dinnear [dʲiːn̪ʲər] = dinner àm dìnnearach = dinner-time bòrd-dìnnearach = dinner table seacaid-dìnnearach = dinner-jacket/suit, tuxedo seòmar-dìnnearach = dining room
Manx (Gaelg)	jinnair = dinner co’heshaght yinnairagh = dinner party forran buird = dinner service jaggad yinnairagh = dinner jacket

Etymology: from Old French disner (to dine, eat the main meal of the day), from Vulgar Latin *disiūnāre, from Late Latin disieiūnō (to break the fast), from dis- (apart, reversal, utterly) and ieiūnō (to fast) [source].

Words from the same roots include dine and diner and dinner in English, and dîner (to dine, dinner) in French [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*kinjọ = dinner (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	kinyaỽ, kinyaw, kinio, kinnaw = dinner kino echwydd, ciniaw echwydd, kinnechwydd = midday-dinner kinnawha, kinawu, kinyawa = to dine, eat a meal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cinio [ˈkɪnjɔ] = dinner, breakfast cinio echwydd, cinechwydd = midday-dinner cin(i)awaf, cin(i)awu = to dine, eat a meal ciniawdy = restaurant, café ciniawfwyd = dinner, meal
Middle Cornish (Cernwec)	cynyow, cidnio = dinner
Cornish (Kernwek)	kinnyow, kidnyow = dinner kinyewel = to dine

Etymology: cognate with or from Latin cēna (dinner), from Old Latin cesna, from Proto-Italic *kertsnā, from Proto-Indo-European *kért-sneh₂ (portion), from *(s)kert- (to cut), from *(s)ker- (to cut off, separate) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	cvin, kwyn = dinner, supper, feast, banquet kvynnos, cwynos = supper, evening, meal, feast kuynossa, cwynosa = to sup, take supper cwynossauc, cwynossawc = giving (or one who gives) supper or a meal to a king or lord and his retinue on circuit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwyn = dinner, supper, feast, banquet cwynos = supper, evening, meal, feast cwynosa(f) = to sup, take supper cwynosfwyd = supper, tea, a light meal or lunch taken in the afternoon in the fields. cwynosog = giving (or one who gives) supper or a meal to a king or lord and his retinue on circuit
Middle Cornish (Cernwec)	coyn, cón = supper
Cornish (Kernwek)	kon = dinner, supper
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	coan = dinner, supper, to have supper coan(i)aff, coanyaff, coania = to dine, to have supper coanlech = place where one has supper
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koan [ˈkwãːn] = supper, dinner, to have supper koanan, koaniañ = to have dinner, to dine koanier = dinner

Etymology: from Latin cēna (dinner), from Old Latin cesna, from Proto-Italic *kertsnā, from Proto-Indo-European *kért-sneh₂ (portion), from *(s)kert- (to cut), from *(s)ker- (to cut off, separate) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	béile = meal
Irish (Gaeilge)	béile [ˈbʲeːlʲə] = meal béile maidine = breakfast béile meán lae = lunch béile oíche = supper, dinner ní fiú a bhéilí é = he is not worth his keep
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beil = diet, meal of meat (archaic)

Etymology: from Middle English mel (a time, occasion, meal, feast), from Old English mǣl (measure, mark, sign, time, occasion), from Proto-Germanic *mēlą (measure, time, occasion, meal), from PIE *meh₁- (to measure) [source].

Words from the same roots include meal in English, maal (meal, time) in Dutch, Mahl (meal) in German, and mål (target, goal, meal) in Swedish [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

Worms & Maggots

18th December 2023 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for worm, maggot and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷrimis = worm
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cruim [kruṽʲ] = maggot, worm crumdoma = maggot heap
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	cruim, crúim = worm, maggot crumach = full of reptiles crumdoma = dunghill cromóc = maggot
Irish (Gaeilge)	cruimh = maggot, larva, grub, tiny insect, worm crumhóg = maggot cruimheach = maggoty cruimheachán = venemous person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cnuimh [krɯ̃ĩv] = maggot, grub, worm cnuimheach [krɯ̃ĩvəx] = maggoty cnuimheag [krɯ̃ĩvag] = maggot, grub, worm cnuimhneag [krɯ̃ĩvn̪ˠʲag] = maggot, worm
Manx (Gaelg)	crooag = (flesh) worm, grub, maggot, worm crooagagh = maggoty, wormy
Proto-Brythonic	*prɨβ̃ [ˈprɨβ̃] = worm
Old Welsh	prem = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pryuet, pryf = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm pryuyedic = abounding in / infested with worms or maggots
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pryf [prɨːv/priːv] = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm pryfedaf, pryfedu, pryfedo = to breed worms of maggots, to become infested with worms or maggots pryfediad = worm or maggot infestation pryfedig = wormeaten, maggoty pryfeteg = entomology pryfiedig = abounding in / infested with worms or maggots
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pref, prêv, pryf = any small animal, a vermin, an insect, a worm, a reptile
Cornish (Kernewek)	pryv, prev = crawling animal, grub, insect, worm, weevil pryv del = caterpillar pryv prenn woodworm pryvladher = insecticide
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	preff, preuet, prenvv = worm
Breton (Brezhoneg)	preñv = worm preñvedik = vermiculated preñvek = vermicular, wormlike, wormy eneppreñveg, eneppreñvek = wormable

Etymology: from PIE *kʷŕ̥mis (worm) [source]. Words from the same root include cirmenis (maggot, grub) in Latvian, kirmis (worm) in Lithuanian, käärme (snake) in Finnish, کرم (kerm – worm) in Persian, and červ (worm, maggot) in Czech and Slovak [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorb = worm, larva
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dorb = small insect or worm
Irish (Gaeilge)	doirb [kɑbʲ/kabʲ] = water beelte doirbeach = infested with water beetles
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	doirb [dɤrʲɤb] = unspecific term for a small/tiny/insignificant creature (e.g. minnow, worm, leech, small person)
Manx (Gaelg)	durrag = cabbage worm, larva of cabbage moth

Etymology: unknown

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

Axes and Hatchets

7th December 2023 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at the words for axe and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tāxslo- = axe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tál = adze
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	tál = adze
Irish (Gaeilge)	tál [t̪ˠɑːlˠ/t̪ˠæːlˠ] = adze
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàl [taːl̪ˠ] = adze tàl-fuinn = hoe
Manx (Gaelg)	taal = adze

An adze cutting tool that has a curved blade set at a right angle to the handle and is used in shaping wood. [source].

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *tetḱ-(dʰ)lo-, from *teḱ- (to sire, beget) [source]. Words from the same roots include architect, technical, text and textile in English, цясла́ [t͡sʲasˈɫa] (adze) in Belausian, тесло [tʲɪsˈɫo] (adze) in Russian, and teslă (adze) in Romanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	túag = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	túag = axe, hatchet túagaid = to hew, chop, strike with an axe túagrótae = roadway cleared with an axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	tua [t̪ˠuə] = axe, hatchet tuadóir = axe-man, hewer, chopper tuadóireacht = (act of) hewing, shaping, chopping tuaigh = to chop (with an axe)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuagh [tuəɣ] = axe tuaghadair = axeman, axe-wielder
Manx (Gaelg)	teigh = axe, chopper, hatchet

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)tewk- (to push, press, strike, beat, pierce), from *(s)tew- (to push, hit) [source]. Words from the same roots include tkát (to weave) in Czech, tkać (to weave, stick, tuck) in Polish, and тъка [tɐˈkɤ] (to spin, plait, entwine, weave) in Bulgarian [source], and words for hole & hollow in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*biyatlis = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	biáil [ˈbʲi.aːlʲ] = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bíail, biáil = axe, hatchet, battle-axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	biail [bʲiəlʲ] = hatchet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	biail = axe, hatchet (archaic)
Old Welsh	bahell = axe
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	buyall, bwell, bwyeill = axe bwyellic = small axe, hatchet bwyallawt = axe stroke bwiallawc = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bwyall, bwyell, bwell = axe, battle-axe bwyellan, bwyellig = small axe, hatchet bwyellangaib = pickaxe, hoe bwyellod, bwyallod = stroke or cut with an axe, axe stroke bwyellog, bwyallog = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe bwyellwr = woodman
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	biail, boell, bool = axe, hatchet
Cornish (Kernewek)	bool = axe, chopper, hachet bolik = (small) axe, chopper, hachet
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bouhazl, bouchazl, bouchal, boc’hal = axe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bouc’hal [ˈbuː.ɣal] = axe, hammered bouc’halig = hatchet

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *bināti (to strike, hit, beat) from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰi-né-h₂-ti, from bʰeyh₂- (to strike, hew) [source]. Words from the same roots include billhook and bone in English, bain (to extract, separate, strike) and béim (a blow, emphasis, beat) in Irish, gofid (grief, sorrow, regret) in Welsh [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

Flowing Slowly

24th November 202324th November 2023 By Simon

Words for slow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	malnos/mallo- = slow, lazy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mall [mal͈] = slow, tardy, late utmall = unsteady, restless
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mall = slow, sluggish mallaigid = to make slow, retard maill, moill = tardiness, delay maillech = slowly-moving, leisurely, gentle admall = very slow, dilatory immall = very slow, wearisome, sad, sluggish utmall = unstable, fickle, restless
Irish (Gaeilge)	mall [mˠɑul̪ˠ/mˠɑːl̪ˠ/mˠal̪ˠ] = slow, late mallachar = slowness, dullness, dimness mallacharach = slow, dim mallaibh = of late, lately udhmhall = unstable, restless, unceratin, nimble, quick
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mall [maul̪ˠ] = slow, deliberate, placid mallan [mal̪ˠan] = sluggard, slowcoach mallanach [mal̪ˠanəx] = slow, dilatory
Manx (Gaelg)	moal = slow, sorry, tardy, unimpressive, backward, deliberate, dull, feeble, gradual, meagre

Etymology: possibly from PIE *mel- (to be late, hesitate) and *-nós (creates verbal adjectives) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	slaet = heap, layer, pile
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slaet = a swathe, layer, pile, illness, disease slaetach, slaebach = in layers, sweeping (hair)
Irish (Gaeilge)	slaod = swath, layer, flowing mass, prostration, stupefication, float, raft; to mow down, lay low, flow, drag, trail, trudge slaodach = in swaths, in layers, flowing, prostrating, heavy, oppressive, viscous slaodacht = viscosity slaodaí = trudger, slowcoach, lazy-bones slaodaíocht = trudging, slowness, laziness slaodchiallach = slow-witted
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	slaod [sl̪ˠɯːd] = raft, float, sledge, tow, drag, sluggard, slowcoach slaodach [sl̪ˠɯːdəx] = slow, sluggish, dilatory, dragging, pulling, awkward, clumsy slaodachadh [sl̪ˠɯːdəxəɣ] = dragging, hauling, slowing down slaodachd [sl̪ˠɯːdəxg] = slowness, drowsiness, awkwardness
Manx (Gaelg)	sleayd = dredge, trail, sledge, trailer sleaydagh = trailing sleayder = lug, trailing

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*aramo- = quiet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	araf, arav [ˈarav] = slow, leisurely, calm, quiet arafu = to be(come) or make slow, slow down arafaidd, arauaidd = slow, gradual, mild, gentle arafhau = to make or become quiet or calm,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	araf [ˈarav] = slow, gradual, tedious, tiresome, mild, meek, gentle, tender arafu = to be(come) or make slow, slow down, retard arafaidd = slow, gradual, mild, gentle, lovely, pleasant arafedd = slowness, gentleness, tenderness arafhau = to make or become quiet or calm, ease, abate, moderate arafol = slow, gradual, slowing, delaying

Etymology: from PIE *h₁r̥h₃-mo-, from *h₁reh₃- (rest). Words from the same roots include Ruhe (calm, quietness, rest) in German, ro (calmness) in Danish, ro (peace, quiet, tranquility) in Swedish, and unruly in English [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*segʉr = idle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	segur = idle segyra, segura, seguru, segvro = to (be) idle segyrllyt, segurllyd = idle, lazy, sluggish, slothful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	segur [ˈsɛɡɨ̞r / ˈseːɡɪr] = idle, unoccupied, inactive, lazy, slothful, disused, idle seguro = to (be) idle, laze, linger, lounge around, rest segurdod = idleness, laziness segurllyd = idle, lazy, sluggish, slothful segurwr = idler, lazy person
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	sigyr, zigyr = sluggish, lazy
Cornish (Kernewek)	syger = idle, lazy, lethargic, slow sygera = to seep, trickle sygerans = seep(age) sygerneth = idleness, laziness, lethargy sygerus = at leisure, leisurely

Etymology: from Latin sēcūrus (careless, carefree, negligent, safe, secure), from sē- (without) and‎ cūra (care). Words from the same root include secure and sure in English, sicuru (safe, secure, sure) in Italian, seguro (secure, safe, sure) in Spanish and säker (safe, secure, sure, certain) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*uɸostatos = stable
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fossad = firm, steady
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fossad, fossud = stationary, fixed, firm, steady, steadfast, consistent, flat surface, level place, stopping-place, abode
Irish (Gaeilge)	fosadh = stop, stay, rest, stable position, steadiness, stability
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fosadh [fɔsəɣ] = cessation, desisting, recess, respite, (act of) abiding
Proto-Brythonic	*gwostad = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwastat, guastat = flat, level, smooth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwastad [ˈɡwastad] = flat, level, smooth, even, horizontal, continual, constant, quiet, peaceful, gentle, plain, level
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwastas = flat, open, plain, smooth
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goustat, goustadic, goustadec, goustadic = gently, slowly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gou(e)stad = slow, slowly doustadik = slow, slowly

Etymology: unknown [source].

Another word for slow in Cornish is lent, and lenthe means to slow down. This is possibly from (Old) French lent (slow), or from Latin lentus (sticky, slow, flexible).

In Middle Cornish the word hel means slow or tardy, and cosel/kozal means soft, quiet, slow or sluggish, which became kosel (calm, quiet, restful, still, tranquil) in revived Cornish.

Another Proto-Celtic word for slow is *dwāyo-. This became doé / doe (slow, sluggish) in Old Irish and Middle Irish, but has no descendents I can find in the modern Celtic languages.

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

Betwixt and Between

Cauldrons and Kettles

Stormy Weather

Bees

Modestly Humble

Barnacles & Limpets

Dinner

Worms & Maggots

Axes and Hatchets

Flowing Slowly