Crested Combs

24th September 2025 By Simon

Words for comb, crest furrow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kīsrā = comb
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cír [ˈkʲiːɾ] = comb, rake, crest, tip
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cír, cir = comb, rake, crest, tip círach = crested helmet círaid = to comb, to smooth out círán, círín = crest círmaire, cirmure = comber or fuller of cloth, comb maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíor [ciːɾˠ / ciəɾˠ] = comb, crest, cud; to comb, examine minutely, search cíorach = toothed cíoradh = combing, discussion, examination, hair-pulling, quarrelling cíoradóir = comber cíorán, círín = crest cíorláil = combing, searching, rough handling; to comb, search, rummage cíorlálaí = searcher, rummager, rough customer cíormhaire = (wool) comber, fuller, comb maker
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìr [kʲiːrʲ] = comb, cud, honeycomb cìreadh [kʲiːrʲəɣ] = (act of) combing, carding, teazing cìreag [kʲiːrʲag] = small comb cìrean [kʲiːrʲan] = comb, crest, ridging cìreanach [kʲiːrʲanəx] = pertaining to or abounding in combs, crested
Manx (Gaelg)	kerey = comb, combing, groom, hackle, teasel; to comb, mop up, tease (wool) kere [kʲeːrʲ / kʲiːr] = cobbler’s wax, comb, wax kereen = comb, coxcomb, crest, pack, topknot kereyder = comber, waxer (of wool), teaser, hackler

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kes- (to comb, scratch) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include verheddern (to entangle sth, to become entangled, to get stuck, confused) in German, hahtuva (fluff) in Finnish, kasti (mto dig, rake) in Lithuanian, česat (to comb) in Czech, кося (to mow, reap, cut) in Bulgaran, haar (hair) in Dutch, hår (hair) in Norwegian, Swedish and Danish, and hair English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*krīkʷā = trench, furrow, boundary
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crích [ˈkʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, border, furrow, territory, area críchnaigid = to complete, fulfil coicrích = border (region), neighbouring territory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crích, crich [kʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, limit (of territory), end, aim, purpose, confines, territory, district, land críchnaid = to delimit, bound, fix bounds to críchnaigecht = limits coicrích, coiccrich = border, march, neighbouring or foreign territory
Irish (Gaeilge)	críoch [cɾʲiːx] = limit, boundary, region, territory, end, completion, conclusion, fulfilment, settlement críochadóir = marker of boundaries críochadóireacht = demarcation, marking of boundaries críochaigh = to demarcate críochantacht = bounding, bordering críochnaigh = to finish, complete, accomplish críochnú = completion, accomplishment críochnúil = complete, thorough, neat, methodical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crìoch [krʲiəx] = border, frontier, boundary, end, close, finale, finish, limit(ation), goal, confines crìochach [krʲiəxəx] = finite crìochadair [krʲiəxədɪrʲ] = borderer crìochadaireachd [krʲiəxədɪrʲəxg] = bordering, demarcation, division crìochadh [krʲiəxəɣ] = ending, closing, finishing, terminating crìochaire [krʲiəxɪrʲə] = border guard/keeper
Manx (Gaelg)	creagh [krɨəx] = furrow, stack creeagh = border(line), boundary, termination creaghnaghey = to accomplish, complete, conclude creaghnee = to accomplish creaghney = to accomplish, completion creaghnit = complete(d)
Proto-Brythonic	*krib = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	crip = comb, crest
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crib = comb, wild teasel, crest cribo, cribaf, kribo = to comb, curry cribiad = combing, carding, scratch krybyn, cribin, kribyn = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint kribawc, kribawg, kribyoc, criboc, cribog = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crib [kriːb] = comb, wild teasel, crest, pride, self-conceit, honeycomb, bridge of a violin cribell = small comb, crest of a bird, ridge, ledge, summit cribin = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint cribo = to comb, curry (to groom), cope, climb, clamber, creep crib(i)og = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested cribwr, cribydd = comber, ones who cards wool, carding-machine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crib, crîb = comb, ridge, crest, summit criba(s) = to comb criban = comb, crest, tuft, plume cribia = to card wool
Cornish (Kernewek)	krib = comb, reef, arête kribas = to comb kribek, kribys = furrowed kribel = teasel kriben = ridge kribya = to card wool
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	crip = comb
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	crib = comb cribar = to comb cribell = crest cribenn = crest, peak
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krib [ˈkriːp] = comb, crest, summit kribañ = to comb kribell = crest, toupee kribellañ = to provide with a crest, crested kribelleg = crested kribenn = crest, peak, comb, summit, chatter

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *krek- (post) [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, Geriafurch, TermOfis

Nests

10th September 202510th September 2025 By Simon

Words for nest and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*nizdos = nest
Old Irish (Goídelc)	net = nest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	net, neid, nead, (n)nit = nest
Irish (Gaeilge)	nead [nʲad̪ˠ] = nest, bed, lair, snug abode, home, den, close group, gang neadaigh = to nest, nestle, bed, set, lodge, settle neadaím = to nestle neadaireacht = nesting, nest-buildling neadú = nesting, settling, nestling, bedding
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nead [n̪ʲed] = nest, circular hollow neadach = abounding in nests neadachadh [n̪ʲedəxəɣ] = (act of) nesting neadaich [n̪ʲedɪç] = nest!, to nestle, house, lie, build or make a nest neadan [n̪ʲedan] = little nest
Manx (Gaelg)	edd = nest, hat, cap
Proto-Brythonic	*nɨθ [ˈnɨːθ] = nest
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nyd, nyth, nŷth = nest nythaid, nytheid = nestful (of chicks, etc), brood nythu = to nest, nestle, lie snugly
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nyth [nɨːθ, niːθ] = nest nythaid = nestful (of chicks, etc), brood nythfa [ˈnəθva] = a colony (of birds or insects) nythiad = nesting nythle = nesting place, shelter, pigeon-hole, box nythu [ˈnəθɨ̞, ˈnəθi] = to nest, nestle, lie snugly
Old Cornish	neid = nest
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nyth, nŷth, neith = nest
Cornish (Kernewek)	neyth = nest neythik = alcove
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nith = nest
Middle Breton	nez = nest
Breton (Brezhoneg)	neizh, nezh [ˈnɛjs] = nest neizhadur = nesting neizhiad [ˈnɛjzjat] = nested neizhiañ [ˈnɛj.zjã] = to nest, to live neizhiata = to look for nests neizhiet = niche, recess

Note: the Manx word edd was probably nedd originally, but the n was rebracketed as belonging to the definite article, so y nedd became yn edd, just as a napron became an apron in English [source].

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *nisdós, from *ni (down) & *sed (sit) = “where [the bird] sits down” [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include neth (sprout, bud) in Albanian, նստել [nəsˈtel] (to sit, sink, fit, shrink) in Armenian, lizdas (nest) in Lithuanian, hnízdo (nest) in Czech, नीड़ (nīṛ – nest) in Hindi, nest, nidate (to become implanted in) and niche in English, Nest (nest, small village) in German, and nido (nest, home, nursery school) in Italian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fóir = nest, lair, den
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fóir, foir = site, area, confine, abode
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáir = hen’s nest, bed, lair fáireog = (little) nest (for hen)

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Winnowing Wheat

4th September 2025 By Simon

Words for wheat, winnow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	nixtos = (something) winnowed, wheat uɸo-nixtos = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	necht = (?) cruithnecht* = wheat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cruithnecht, cruithneachd = wheat cruithnechtach, cruithneachtach = abounding in wheat cruithnechtdae = relating to wheat
Irish (Gaeilge)	cruithneacht [ˈkɾˠɪ(h)nʲəxt̪ˠ] = wheat
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cruithneachd [krɯn̪ʲəxg] = wheat, best of somethign cruithneachd-choitcheann = common / bread wheat (triticum aestivum) cruithneachd-Innseanach = maize, corn (zea mays) cruithneachd nan gaisgeach = the greatest of heroes
Manx (Gaelg)	curnagh(t) = wheat
Proto-Brythonic	niθ = (something) winnowed, wheat gwöniθ = wheat *niθjɨd = to winnow
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gueinth = wheat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guenith, gwenith, gỽenith = wheat gwenithaidd = excellent, fine, of the purest, wheaten gwenythdyr, gwenithdir = land under wheat, land suitable for wheat-growing gwenithuein, gwenithfaen = granite gwenith gwrwf, gwenithgwrw = wheat-ale nithiau, nithiaw, nithio = to winnow, sift nithydd, nithiwr = winnower
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwenith [ˈɡwɛnɪθ / ˈɡweːnɪθ] = wheat, good people, excellence, purity, fine man or woman, one of the best, a real good sort gwenithaidd = excellent, fine, of the purest, wheaten gwenithlyd, gwenithog = abounding in wheat gwenithol = wheaten, fine, of the highest quality, pure nithio = to winnow, sift nithiedig = winnowed, sifted nithiol = winnowing, sifting nithiwr, nithydd = winnower, winnowing machine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwaneth = wheat nothlen = a winnowing sheet
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwaneth [ˈɡwanɛθ] = wheat gwanethek = wheat field gwanethen = (ear of) wheat gwanettir = wheat land notha, nothya = to winnow
Middle Breton	guiniz = birch niza = to winnow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwinizh [ˈɡɥĩːnis] = wheat gwinizheg [ɡwĩ.ˈniː.zɛk] = wheat field gwinizhenn = stalk of wheat gwinizhus = abundant in wheat nizh, nizhadeg, nizherezh = winnowing nizhañ = to winnow nizher = winnower

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *nik-tó-s, from *neyk- (to winnow) & *-tós (creates verbal adjectives from verb stems) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include λίκνο (líkno – cradle) and λιχνίζω (likhnízō – to thresh) in Greek, niekoti (trifle) in Latvian, and niekāt (nothing) in Lithuanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	tuirenn = wheat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tuirenn, tuirinn = wheat
Irish (Gaeilge)	tuireann = (lit.) wheat, faithful following, band, company
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuireann [tɯrʲən̪ˠ] = wheat (genus triticum)

Etymology: unknown, possibly related to tuireann (a spark of fire from an anvil) [source]

Gnawing Bites

20th June 2025 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for chew, gnaw, bite and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*knāyeti = to bite, chew
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cnaïd = to gnaw
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cnaïd, cnaídid = to gnaw away, consume, disperse cnaí(ded), cnaidedh = gnawing, wasting cnaí(te), cnaoite, cnaeite = wasted, corroded cnám, cnáma, cnámh = (act of) gnawing, wasting, laying waste (to), ravaging con-cnaí, cocnaid = to chew, masticate, gnaw (away)
Irish (Gaeilge)	cnaí = gnawing, corrosion (of body), wasing, decline cnaígh = to gnaw, corrode cogain [ˈkɔɡənʲ / ˈkaɡənʲ] = to chew, masticate, gnaw, grind, slur, mutter cogaint = mastication cogantach = chewing, masticatory cogantóir = chewer, masticator guma coganta = chewing gum
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cagainn [kagɪn̪ʲ] = to chew, gnaw, masticate cagnachail [kagnəxal] = chewy cagnadh [kagnəɣ] = chewing, gnawing, masticating, mastication caigneadh [kagʲn̪ʲəɣ] = chewing, gnawing, masticating, mastication
Manx (Gaelg)	caigney = to chew, file, gnaw, mumble, munch, rasp, chewing caignee = gnawing, chewing credjuagh = believer, disciple, believing, believable caigneyder = chewer, gnawer, rodent
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cno = a biting, gnawing, consuming, languishing cnofa, cnoua = biting, gnawing, gripes, ache, colic, remorse cnoi, knoyn, knoi = to bite, gnaw, chew, masticate, torment, worry
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cno = a biting, gnawing, consuming, languishing cnoaf, cnoi [knɔi̯] = to bite, gnaw, chew, masticate, torment, worry, fret, vex, gripe, ache, ruminate, meditate cno = a biting, gnawing, consuming, languishing cno(e)ad = bite, chew, gnawing, mastication cnoawdr = gnawer, biter cnofa = biting, gnawing, gripes, ache, colic, remorse cnofil = rodent
Cornish (Kernewek)	knias = to chew knivil = rodent
Breton (Brezhoneg)	chagiñ [ˈkreː.dĩ] = to chew chaok [ʃok] = chewing chaokat [ˈʃokːat] = to chew, eat, masticate chaoker = chewer, masticator, big eater chaokerezh = mastication

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kneh₂- (to bite, chew, scratch, scrape) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include Nut (groove, slit, slot) in German and knóti (to peel) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	brozdos, brasdu = point, tip
Old Irish (Goídelc)	brot [brod] = goad
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brot, brud, brad = goad, spike brotad(h) = act of goading, urging brotchú = watchdog, bloodhound, herd-dog, mastiff
Irish (Gaeilge)	brod = goad broideadh = = to prod, nudge, bite
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brod [brɔd] = goad, prickle, sting strong>brodadh [brodəɣ] = rousing, stirring, goading, poking, prompt
Manx (Gaelg)	brod = goad, jab, nudge, prick, spur, stimulus broddagh = jabbing, stab wound broddey = to goad, jab, nudge, poke
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brath [braːθ] = a bite, biting brathu, brathv, brathy = to bite, sting, wound, pierce brathedig, brathedic = bitten, wounded, stabbed, pierced
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brath [braːθ] = a bite, biting, stinging, prick, scratch, wounding, piercing, stabbing, wound, injury brathu = to bite, sting, wound, pierce brathedig = bitten, wounded, stabbed, pierced brathgi = biting dog, dog given to snapping, surly man brath(i)ad = a bite, biting, sting, wounding brathiadol = biting, hurtful
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	brathcy = a mastiff, hound (“a biting dog”)
Cornish (Kernewek)	brath = bite bratha = to bite brathek = caustic

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰresdʰh₁-, from *bʰers- (top, tip, point) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots possibly include barley, bristle and brush in English, barr (pine needles) in Icelandic, farine (flour, feed) in French, bara (bread) in Welsh, barr (tip, head, point, top, summit) in Irish, and Barsch (perch [fish]) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	gramman, gremmen- = seizure, grasp
Old Irish (Goídelc)	greimm, graimm [ˈɡʲr͈ʲemʲ] = grasp, authority, power
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	greimm, graimm = grasp, authority, sway, power, seizure, hold, grasp, bond, obligation, duty, service, profit, use, advantage gremanach, greamanach = biting gremmaigid, greamaighid = to hold fast, cleave, stick, seize, grasp, obtain, secure
Irish (Gaeilge)	greim [ɟɾʲəimʲ / ɟɾʲɪmʲ] = to grip, grasp, hold
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	greim [grʲɤim =] = bit(e), morsel, clutch, grasp, grip, hold, catch, stitc, seizure, pneumonia greimeachadh [grʲeməxəɣ] = gripping, grasping, clutching, clinging, grappling greimean [grʲeman] = small bite, small morsel
Manx (Gaelg)	greim = bite, catch, clutch, grab, grapple, grasp, grip, hold, snatch greimmagh = clutching, grasping, gripping, snappy, sticky greimmey = to bite, catch, clutch, grab, grip, hold

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʰrebʰ- (to seize, grab, dig, rake) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots possibly include grab, grave, groove and grub in English, graven (to dig, search for information) in Dutch, graben (to dig, burrow) in German, and grabić (to rake, rob, plunder) in Polish [source].

Captive Hostages

28th May 202513th September 2025 By Simon

Words for hostage, pledge and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*geistlos = hostage, bail
Gaulish	geistlus = hostage (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gíall = a human pledge, hostage
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gíall, gial, giall = a human pledge, hostage, jailer, act of yielding homage, obeying gíallacht, gíallnus = hostageship, captivity
Irish (Gaeilge)	giall [ɟiəl̪ˠ] = hostage, (human) pledge giallach = having or taking hostages giallacht = hostageship, bondage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	giall [gʲiəl̪ˠ] = hostage, pledge giallach [gʲiəl̪ˠəx] = pertaining to or abounding in hostages / pledges
Manx (Gaelg)	gioal = pledge, pawn, stake, wager, bet, bond geulys, geuleydys = bondage
Proto-Brythonic	*guɨstl = hostage, bail
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gustil, gustel, guyst(e)l, gvystl, gwystyl = pledge, security, surety, guarantee, earnest guystlvy, gustelau, gusthaf = to give pledge or assurance, guarntee, pledge, pawn gwystlyryaeth, gwystloryaeth = suretyship, pledge, stake, pawn, mortgage
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwystl [ɡwɨ̞sdl / ɡʊi̯sdl] = pledge, assurance, security, surety, guarantee, earnest, gage, pawn, hostage, wager, stake, bet, mortgage gwystl(i)ad = a pledging, a pawning gwystlo = to give pledge or assurance, guarntee, pledge, pawn gwystlchwarae = gambling gwystledig = pledge, bound, mortgaged gwystlor(i)aeth = suretyship, pledge, stake, pawn, mortgage gwystlwr, gwystlydd = mortgagor, pawnbroker
Old Cornish	guistel = hostage
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guistel = hostage, pledge, surety
Cornish (Kernewek)	gostel = hostage, riot gostla = to pawn, wage
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guistl = hostage
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goestl = hostage, pledge goestlaff = to consecrate, dedicate, pledge, devote goestlet = pledged, dedicated, consecrated
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouestl [ˈɡwestl] = hostage, pledge, guarantee, bail, surety gouestladur = commitment, offering gouestlaj = mortgage gouestlañ [ˈɡwestlã] = to bet, wager, guarantee, pledge, consecrate, dedicate, devote gouestlaoua = to bribe, buy, corrupt, grease the palm of gouestlaouañ = to bribe, corrupt gouestlet = pledged, dedicated, consecrated

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʰeydʰ- (to yearn for, to desire) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Proto-Germanic *gīslaz (hostage), include gijzelen (to take hostage) in Dutch, Geisel (hostage) in German, gidsel (hostage) in Danish, gisslan (hostage) in Swedish, and kihlata (to betroth) in Finnish [source].

Words from the same PIE root include geisti (to desire, crave, covet, lust after) in Lithuanian, gaidīt (to wait, expect, anticipate) in Latvian, ждать (ždatʹ – to wait for, expect) in Russian, and geizen (to be miserly) in German [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	brága [ˈbraː.ɣɘ] = hostage, captive, prisoner
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brága, brágha, brage [ˈbraːɣə] = captive, prisoner, hostage brágigdenas, braighdenus, braighdeanas = hostageship, captivity bráigtechas, braightechus = hostageship
Irish (Gaeilge)	brá [bˠɾˠɑː] = captive, hostage braighdeanach = captive, prisoner braighdeanas = captivity, bondage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bràigh [braːj] = captive, hostage bràighdeanas = bondage, captivity, slavery neach am bràighdeanas = captive, hostage

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *brāgants (neck, throat), from *brāg + *-ants (body part suffix), from Proto-Indo-European *gʷerh₃- (to swallow, devour, eat) [source]. The sense “captive” derives from the Middle Irish phrase gaibid ar brágait (to take captive: lit. “to take by the neck”) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include carnivore, devour, gargle, gorge, gurgle and voracious in English; gurgeln (to gargle, gurgle) in German; voractià (oracity, voraciousness) in Italian, and gerti (to drink, soak up, absorb) in Lithuanian [source].

The word for hostage in Manx is raane, which also means assurance, bail, bond, collateral, guarantee, pledge or surety [source]. Its etymology is not known [source].

Granular Grains

30th April 2025 By Simon

Words for grain, corn and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*grānom = grain
Old Irish (Goídelc)	grán [ɡraːn] = grain gráinne = grain, seed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	grán, gran = level surface, grain gráinne, grainne = a grain, a seed
Irish (Gaeilge)	grán [ɡɾˠɑːnˠ / ɡɾˠaːnˠ] = grain, ball, shot, pellet gráinne [ˈɡɾˠɑːn̠ʲə] = grain, (hard) particle, pinch (small quantity) gránach = cereal gránaigh = to granulate, scratch, scrape, graze gránlach = grain, grit, shot, pellets, granulated, ground, matter gránú = granulation gránúll = pomegranate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gràn [graːn] = grain (cereal, wood), shot (of lead) gràinne [graː̪nʲə] = small grain, speck, small pellet, small quantity grànach [graːnəx] = grained, granular grànlach = corn, grain, cereal gràinneach [graːn̪ʲəx] = grained, granulous, granular, gritty, granulated gràinneanach [graːn̪ˠənəx] = pertaining to grains, grainy, granular
Manx (Gaelg)	grine = grain, corn, grapeshot, pellet, foresight grinaghey = grain grineagh = cereal, grained, granular grineeghey = to granulate, powder, granulation grinneegh = grained, grainy, granular, granulated, granulous, gritty
Proto-Brythonic	*grọn [ˈlɔːr] = grain
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	graun, graỽnn, grawn = grain grawnwin, grawn-wîn = grapes, wine made from the juice of grapes gronyn, gronnyne, gronun = a single grain or pip
Welsh (Cymraeg)	grawn [ɡrau̯n] = grain, corn, cereal, seed, grapes, berries, fruit, roe, spawn (of fish), shot, grape-shot, load (of a gun) grawnafal = pomegranate grawndy, grawnfa = barn, granary grawnddwyn = grain-bearing, graniferous, bearing grapes or berries grawnen = grape grawnfwyd = cereal, grain-food grawnffrwyth = grapefruit grawnwin = grapes, wine made from the juice of grapes grawnwydd = vines gronyn = a single grain or pip
Old Cornish	gronen = grain
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gronen = grain
Cornish (Kernewek)	greun(en) [ɡɹøːn] = grain greunaval = pomegranate greunek, greunvos = cereal greunhe = to form grain greunji, greunva = granary, grange greunvosow = barley, cereals, corn, wheat greunya = to form grain in the ear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	garan, greun(enn), grun = grain greunyaff = to go to seed, to grain, to seed, to spawn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	greun(enn) [ˈɡrœ̃ːn] = grain greunaval(enn) [grønɑ:val] = pommegranate greunek = grainy, granular greunenniñ = to granulate, to be granulated greuniañ = to go to seed, to grain, to seed, to spawn greunvaen [ˈɡʁœ̃nvɛn] = granite greunwin = raisins

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵr̥h₂nóm (grain), possibly from *ǵr̥h₂-nós (matured, grown old) from *ǵerh₂- (to grow old, to mature). Words from the same roots include grurë (wheat) in Albanian, corn and grain in English, Korn (kernel, cereal, corn, grain) in German, grano (wheat, corn, grain, peppercorn, money, pin) in Italian, zirnis (pea) in Latvian, зерно (zerno – grain, cereal, seed) in Russian and Ukrainian [source].

Gráinne in Irish, gràinne in Scottish Gaelic, and maybe grine in Manx, come from Old Irish gráinne, from Old French grain (grain), from Latin grānum (grain, seed, small kernel), from Proto-Italic *grānom (grain), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵr̥h₂nóm [source].

Proto-Celtic	*arwar = grain
Old Irish (Goídelc)	arbar [ˈar.βər] = grain, corn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	arbar, arbor = grain, corn
Irish (Gaeilge)	arbhar [ˈaɾˠ(ə)wəɾˠ / əˈɾˠuːɾˠ] = corn, cereals
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	arbhar [aravər] = corn
Manx (Gaelg)	arroo = corn, grain
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	erwein(t) = meadow-sweet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	erwain(t) = meadow-sweet, Queen of the meadows

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂érh₃-wr̥/*h₂r̥h₃-wén-s, from *h₂erh₃- (to plough) [source]. Words from the same roots include aratro (plough) in Albanian, arado (plough) in Spanish, aradr (plough) in Welsh, erv (ridge between furrows) in Breton, and arti (to plough) in Lithuanian [source].

Birth

24th January 2025 By Simon

Words for to be born, birth and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ganyetor = to be born
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gein = birth genemain = birth, generation gainithir = to be born, arise, beget, originate ad·gainethar = to be reborn, to restitute
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gein, gene = birth, genemain, geinemain = coming into existence, birth, generative power, growth, production, race, progeny, source, fountain-head gainithir, gentair, gēntar = to come to life, be born, produce, arise, originate, beget, procreate, conceive ad-gainethar, adgainethar = to be reborn, to restitute, make good
Irish (Gaeilge)	gin [ˈɟɪnʲ] = to give birth to, beget, procreate, generate, produce; begetting, birth, foetus, chid, offspring, person giniúint = procreation, conception, birth, reproduction, generation, embryo, progeny, breed giniúnach = generative gineadóir = begetter, sower, generator gineadóireacht = (act of) generating ginealach = genealogy, pedigree gineog = little offspring, baby (girl), little sprout, bud, germling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gin [gʲin] = beget, father, create, engender, procreate, reproduce, breed, generate gineach [gʲinəx] = genetic gineachas [gʲinəxəs] = genesis gineadach [gʲinədəx] = creative gineadachadh = generating, generation gineadair [gʲinədɪrʲ] = progenitor, procreator, generator ginealach [gʲinəl̪ˠəx] = generation
Manx (Gaelg)	gientyn = to beget, conceive, evolve, generate, procreate, produce; begetting, conceiving, conception, gender, generation, production giennaghtyn = to beget, develop, generate, procreate; generation, developing, producing
Proto-Brythonic	*gėnjed = to be born
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ganed, geny, geni = to be born, give birth to, bring forth, beget, produce; birth ganedic, ganedig = born, begotten, native, natural, innate, native ganedigaeth = birth, offspring, procreation, origin, beginning, spiritual regeneration, the act of bringing forth genedigawl = native, innate, hereditary, natural, born, indigenous, natal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	geni [ˈɡɛnɪ/ˈɡeːni] = to be born, give birth to, bring forth, beget, produce; birth ganedig, genedig = born, begotten, native, natural, innate, native genedigaeth, ganedigaeth = birth, offspring, procreation, origin, beginning, spiritual regeneration, the act of bringing forth genedigaethol, ganedigaethol = native (language, etc), pertaining to (a person’s) birth genedigol, ganedigol = native, innate, hereditary, natural, born, indigenous, natal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	geny, genys, gynys = to be born
Cornish (Kernewek)	genys = born
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ganet, guenell, guenel = to give birth (to), to bring/come into the world, to be born
Breton (Brezhoneg)	genel, ganañ, general [ˈɡẽː.nɛl] = to give birth (to), to bring/come into the world, to be born geneliezh = genesis genidigezh = natural gendik = native adcʼhenel [ad.ˈɣẽː.nɛl] = to be reborn

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵn̥h₁yétor, from *ǵenh₁- (to produce, beget, give birth) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include: kind (child) and koning (king, monarch) (gender, sex) in Dutch, cognate, engine(er), gender, gene, general, genesis, genetic, genial, genius, gentle, kin, king, nature, oxygen and progeny in English, Kind (child, kid, offspring) and König (king) in German, nascere (to be born, bud, sprout) in Italian, and gentis (tribe, genus, family, kin) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	bereti = to carry ɸarebereti = to use
Old Irish (Gaídelc)	beirid [ˈbʲerʲiðʲ] = to carry, bear, bring forth, judge ar·beir [arˈbʲerʲ] = to live, use, employ, eat, reproach, subdue, express
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	beirid, berid = to carry, infer, bear, bring forth, be born, yield, produce, judge, pass judgement ar-beir, airbir = to live, eat, use, employ, plead, subdue, express
Irish (Gaeilge)	beir [bʲɛɾʲ] = to bear, give birth to; lay (eggs); bear away, win; bring, take; catch, overtake; proceed, advance
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beir [berʲ] = to take hold; bring forth, bear, produce; carry beirachd [berʲəxg] = bearing (children), giving birth, birthing, bringing forth, birth, nativity, taking hold, holding, catching up with
Manx (Gaelg)	behr = to bear (give birth to) ruggyr = birth, nativity laa ruggyr, laa ruggyree = birthday
Proto-Brythonic	bėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to flow, carry ėrβėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to make use of, employ, take
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	beru = to flow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	beru = to flow, drip; drizzle arfer [ˈarvɛr] = to use, be used to, be accustomed to; custom, practice, procedure, habit
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	berthy, perthy = to bear, carry, sustain, entertain, take porthy = to bear (with), carry, endure, sustain, suffer
Cornish (Kernewek)	perthi = to bear, endure, put up with, stand, suffer, tolerate perthyans = endurance, patience, tolerance
Middle Breton	beraff = to flow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	berañ [ˈbeːrã] = to drip, flow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to be carrying), from *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source]. Words from the same roots include: barn, barrow, (to) bear, birth, broad and (to) thole (to endure) in English, bie (to bring, deliver) Albanian, բերել (berel – to bring, fetch) Armenian, and berti (to throw, strew, scatter, shed) Lithuanian [source].

Pursuing Followers

11th January 2025 By Simon

Words for to follow, pursue and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sekʷetor = to follow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	seichithir = to follow, persue sechem = following, imitating
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	seichithir sechethar, sechtir = to follow, persue sechem, sechim = following, imitating sechimthid, seichteóir, seichthid = follower
Irish (Gaeilge)	seicheamh = following, taking after, imitating, sequence, progression fosheicheamh = subsequence

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *sékʷetor (to be following), from *sekʷ- (to follow) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish (?) and Latin segusius (a hunting dog) include: sabuxo (hound) in Galician, segugio (hound, bloodhound, private eye, sleuth) in Spanish, and sabujo (hound, submissive person) in Portuguese [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include: associate, sector, sequence, society, (to) sue, suit, suite and subsequent in English, suivre (to follow) in French, sèkti (to observe, track down, follow, spy on) in Lithuanian, and seguir (to follow, continue, keep (on)) in Spanish [source].

Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	sewye, sewé, sywé = to follow, persue
Cornish (Kernewek)	sewya = to follow, result holyans = consequence, outcome, result, sequel

Etymology: from English (to) sue [source], which used to mean to follow or court, and comes from Middle English seuen (to follow, walk behind, be guided), from Anglo-Norman suer, siwer (to follow), from Old French sivre (to follow after), from Vulgar Latin *sequere (to follow), from Latin sequī, from sequor (to follow, pursue, succeed), from Proto-Italic *sekʷōr (to follow, come/go after), from Proto-Indo-European *sekʷ- (to follow) [source].

Proto-Celtic	linati = to stick, cling ati-linati = to adhere, stick to, cling
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lenaid [ˈl͈ʲenɨðʲ] = to stick, cling, follow, remain, continue, survive lenamain = adhering, clinging, following ad·len = to follow, adhere
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lena(i)d = to remain, continue, survive, pursue, persist, cleave to, cling to, adhere to, stay with, follow len(a)main = adhering, clinging to, stuck in, following, pursuing ad·len = to follow, adhere
Irish (Gaeilge)	lean [lʲan̪ˠ] = to follow, continue, remain, endure leantach = consecutive, continuing leantóir = follower, trailer leanúint = following, persuit, adherence, continuation leanúnach = follower, pursuer, successor, continuant, continuous, successive leanúnachas = continuity, attachment, faithfulness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lean [l̪ʲɛn] = follow, pursue, ensue, succeed, follow, continue, go on, stick to leanachd [l̪ʲɛnəxg] = following, pursuing, pursuit, followers, ensuing, succeeding, continuing leanadail [l̪ʲɛnədal] = attendant leanailteach [l̪ʲɛnnaldʲəx] = adhesive, sticking, sticky, dogged, persistent, tenacious leanailteachd [l̪ʲɛnaldʲəxg] = continuity, perseverance, tenacity, adhesiveness, adhesion leanaltas = perseverance
Manx (Gaelg)	lhian(t) = to follow lhiantag = attachment lhiantyn = following lhiantyn da/gys = to cleave (to) lhiantyn hug = to attach, obsess lhiantyn huggey = to take after lhiantyn rish = to cleave, persevere, pursue, stick to, cling lhiantys = adherence, attachment lhiantynys = adhesion, attachment
Proto-Brythonic	*llɨnad = to stick, cling
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	linisant = to infect, defile, corrupt, be infectious, smear
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llynu = to infect, defile, corrupt, be infectious, smear edlynv, eddlynu, edlynu = to smear, besmear, daub, slabber, befoul
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llynaf, llynu = to infect, defile, corrupt, be infectious, smear edlynaf, edlynu = to smear, besmear, daub, slabber, befoul

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂leyH- (to smear) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include lime, liniment, loam and delete in English, lijm (glue) in Dutch, limon (silt) in French, Leim (glue) in German, limo (mud, slime, silt) in Italian, and lim (glue) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*solgos = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	olhau = to follow, trace
Welsh (Cymraeg)	olhaf, olhau = to follow, trace
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	holye = to come after, to follow
Cornish (Kernewek)	holya = to follow holyans = sequence holyer, holyores = follower
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hol = (act of) following
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	heul = following heultaff = to follow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	heul [høːl] = continuation, cortege, parade, escort, procession heuli(a)ñ [ˈhøljã] = to follow heul(iad) [ˈhø.ljat] = procession, line, sequence, continuation, series, train heuliadur = extension heuliata = to continue heuliataer = follower heulier = follower, adept, minion heulius = conformist

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *selgʰ- (to follow) [source].

Dutiful Laws

30th December 20246th February 2025 By Simon

Words for duty, debt, law, rule and related things in Celtic languages.

Scottish Parliament / Pàrlamaid na h-Alba / Scots Pairlament

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dligeti = to be entitled to, be obligated to
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dligid = to deserve, merit, be entitled to
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dligid, dleagaid = to be entitled to, have a right to, be owed, deserve, merit
Irish (Gaeilge)	dligh [dʲlʲɪɟ/dʲlʲiː] = to be entitled to, have a right to, deserve, merit, be incumbent on, be liable to, ought to
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dligh [dli] = owe, be due dleas [dles] = deserve, merit, due dleasach [dlesəx] = deserving, meriting dleasadh [dlesəɣ] = (act of) deserving, meriting dleasannas [dlesən̪ˠəs] = obligation, duty dleasanta [dlesən̪ˠdə] = deserving, meriting dleasnach [dlesn̪ˠəx] = dutiful dleastanas [dlesdənəs] = obligation, duty
Manx (Gaelg)	toill = to deserve, will toillchin = to deserve, earn, merit, reward; derserving, worthy toillchinagh = deserving, meritorious toillchinys = desert, merit toillchyn = to deserve, merit toilliu = to deserve, earn, merit; deserving, worthy
Proto-Brythonic	*dɨlɣɨd = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	deleu, dyly, dylu = to be obliged to, ought, be indebted, behove, owe, be in debt, have a right to, claim, merit, deserve, posses, claim from
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dylu [ˈklɛðɨ̞v/ˈkleːðɪv] = to be obliged to, ought, be indebted, behove, owe, be in debt, have a right to, claim, merit, deserve, posses, claim from (other forms include: dylaf, dylÿaf, dlyaf, dylÿu, dlyu, dleu, deleu)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dely, dylly = to owe, deserve
Cornish (Kernewek)	tyli = to owe, pay, reward tylva = checkout, till
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dleout = must
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dleout [ˈdleː.ut] = to have to, must, owe dleañ = to have to, must, owe; judicious

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dʰlégʰ-ti/*dʰl̥gʰ-énti, from *dʰlegʰ- (to beat, strike) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots possibly include dolog (thing, object, affair, business, task, fate) in Hungarian, dług (debt, account payable) in Polish, долг (dolg – debt, duty, obligation) in Russian, and dlh (debt) in Slovak [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dligetom = duty, debt
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dliged, dligeth [ˈdʲlʲiɣʲeð] = law, principle, rule, theory, dictum dlecht = lawful dligthech = lawful, right
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dliged, dligeth, dleged = law, principle, rule, norm, dictum, reason, argument, reckoning, nature, condition, kind, manner dligedach = lawful dligemnas = lawful right dligthech = regular, right, lawful, law-abiding, rational, reasonable, just, righteous dligthe(m)nach, dligtheanuigh = lawgiver dligtheoir = lawyer, man of law
Irish (Gaeilge)	dlí [dʲlʲiː] = law, divine precept, scientific principle, litigation dlíodóir = lawyer dlíodóireacht = practice of law, practising law dlíthí = litigant dlíthíoch = litigious dlíthíocht = litigiousness dlíthiúil = legal, juridicial, lawful, litigious dlíthiúilacht = legality, lawfulness dleacht = due, lawful right, royalty, patent dleathach = lawful, legal, valud, genuine, just, proper dleathaíocht = legality, justice, propriety
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dlighe [dli.ə] = ordinance (in law), due dligheach [dli.əx] = lawful, legitimatem rightful, right, due, dutiful, just dligheachas [dli.əxəs] = lawful right, jurisdiction, validity dligheachd [dli.əxg] = legality, royalty (payment) dligheadh [dli.əɣ] = (act of) owing, being due, stipend dlighear [dli.ər] = lawyer, creditor dligheil [dli.al] = legitimate, lawful, rightful
Proto-Brythonic	*dlɨɣed = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	delehet, deleed, dylyet, dlyet, dylet = debt, due, claim, right, demand, oblitation, duty dylyedawc, dylyedauc, dylyedaỽc dyledawg = noble, privileged, dignified, illustrious, rightful dyledogaeth, dlyedogaeth = nobility, lordship, proprietorship dylyedus, dyledus = due, proper, meet, lawful, worthy, just, necessary, requisite, owing, in debt, indebted dyledwr = debtor, defaulter, trespasser
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dyled [ˈdəlɛd] = debt, due, claim, right, demand, oblitation, duty, service, heritage, estate, worth, privilege, sins, transgressions, trespasses [also written dylêd, dled, dylyed, dlyed] dyled(i)ach = trifling debts, dribbling debts dyledu = to owe, be due, debit, make due dyledog = indebted, in debt, due, noble, privileged, dignified, illustrious, debtor dyl(y)edus = due, proper, meet, lawful, worthy, just, necessary, requisite, owing, in debt, indebted, noble, privileged, dignified, reasonable, sensible, understanding dyledwr = debtor, defaulter, trespasser
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dle = due, owing dleat = moral duty, tax
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dle = due, owing, debt dlead = moral duty, tax dleatour = debtor dleapl = liable dleoniezh = ethics d(e)leour = debtor, creditor

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *dligeti (to owe, be indebted to) – see above [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ká(g)ni- = tribute, law
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáin [kaːnʲ] = law, regulation, rule, fine, tax, tribute, legal due
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cáin, cain = law, regulation, rule, fine, tax, tribute
Irish (Gaeilge)	cáin [kɑːnʲ/kaːnʲ] = law, regulation, rule, due, tribute, fine, penalty, impost, tax cáinaisnéis = budget cáinaisnéiseach = budgetary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	càin [kaːn̪ʲ] = duty, tariff, tribute, fine; body of laws (archaic) càin-aisneis = budget càineach, càinear, càiniche = tax/excise collector, tax gatherer càineachadh [kaːn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) imposing a tax

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *keh₂/₃ǵ-n- [source]. Words from the same root may include kázeň (discipline) in Czech, kaźń (execution, torture, torment) in Polish, and kázeň (sermon, discipline) in Slovak [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cís = tax, tribute
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cís, cis, cíos = tax, tribute, cess, rent císach = receiving or exacting tribute císaige = tributary, rent-payer císugud = paying tribute
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíos [ciːsˠ] = rent, price; tax tribute (historical) cíosach = rent-paying, tributary cíosaí = rent-payer cíosaigh = to rent, pay rent for, compensate for cíoscháin = tribute cíoscheannach = hire-purchase
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìos [kʲiəs] = tribute, tax cìs [kʲiːʃ] = tax, levy cìsachadh [kʲiːʃəxəɣ] = taxing, taxation cìsachas [kʲiːʃəxəs] = taxation cìseadair [kʲiːʃədɪrʲ] = exciseman cìsear [kʲiːʃər] = tax/excise collector, tax gatherer
Manx (Gaelg)	keesh = custom, duty, tax, toll, tribute, contribution keeshagh = assessable, taxable, tributary keeshyn = taxation, taxes, tribute, dues

Etymology: from Latin cēnsus (census, register, rich gifts, presents, wealth), from cēnseō from Proto-Italic *kensēō (to give an opinion), from *kensējō, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱenséh₁-ye-ti, from *ḱens- (to announce, proclaim, put in order). Words from the same roots may include census in English, censo (census, wealth) in Italian, Zins (interest, tribute) in German, and czynsz (rent) in Polish [source].

Proto-Celtic	rextus = rule, law kom-rextus = law (?)
Celtiberian	Retukeno = personal name
Gaulish	Rextugenos = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	recht, rect [r͈ʲext] = law rechtach = law-giving rechtaid = lawgiver rechtaide = legal rechtaigid = to legislate rechtaire = steward rechtas = stewardship rechtge = government rechtmar = lawful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	recht, rect, reacht = law, authority, rule, right, lawfulness rechtach = just, equitable, law-giving rechtaid, rechtaidh = judge, lawgiver rechtaide = legal, pertaining to the law, lawful rechtaigid = to legislate rechtaire, rechtorairge = steward, baliff, administrator, judge (?) rechtas, rechtus, rechtcus = authority, administration, stewardship rechtge, rechtga = government, authority, rule, regin rechtmar = lawful, legitimate
Irish (Gaeilge)	reacht [ɾˠaxt̪ˠ] = law, statute, accepted rule reachtach = law-giving, legislative reachtaigh = to legislate, enact, decree reachtaíocht = legislation reachtaire = controller, administrator, steward, Rector, auditor, master of ceremonies reachtas = administration, stewardship reachtmhar = lawful, legitimate reachtóir = lawgiver, legislator reachtúil = statutory, statute
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reachd [r̪ˠɛxg] = decree, statue, edict reachdach [r̪ˠɛxgəx] = compulsory reachdachadh [r̪ˠɛxgəxəɣ] = (act of) legislating, law-making, legislature reachdadair [r̪ˠɛxgədɪrʲ] = lawmaker, legislator reachdadaireachd [r̪ˠɛxgədɪrʲəxg] = legislature reachdail [r̪ˠɛxgdal] = legislative, statutory reachdas [r̪ˠɛxgəs] = legislation
Proto-Brythonic	rreiθ = rule, law kuβ̃reiθ = law (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	reyth, reith, rhaith = law, rule, decree, rightness, justice, right (to smth), recompense, atonement, judgement, verdict cyfreith, kiureith, kefreyth [ˈkəvrai̯θ] = law, rule, decree, rightness, justice, right (to smth), recompense, atonement, judgement, verdict
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhaith [r̥ai̯θ] = law, rule, decree, rightness, justice, right (to smth), recompense, atonement, judgement, verdict rhaithgor = jury cyfraith [ˈkəvrai̯θ] = law, legislation, statute, custom, usage, jurisprudence
Cornish (Kernewek)	reyth = regular, right, religious law reythennek, reythednek = statutory reythen = statute reythe = to authorise, codify, empower, entitle, qualify reythes = authorised, empowered, enacted, entitled, qualified reythyans = enactment, jurispridence, lawmaking, legislation
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	reith = law
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rez, reiz = law rezder = law
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reizh = right, just, correct, order, normal reizhad = regular reizhadenn = rectification, corrected reizhadur = adjustment reizhan = to correct, adapt, regular, initiate reizhded = correctness, rectitude, normality reizhder = regularity reizhegezh = legitimacy reizhek = legitimate reizhekaat = to legitimize reizhennan = to regulate reizhus = legal

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃reǵ- (to straighten, to righten) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include rail, rank, realm, regime, rule and regulation in English, rę́žti (to stretch) in Lithuanian, règle (rule, regulation) in French, and regla (rule, ruler) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ríagal, ríagul = rule
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ríagal, riagoil, riaguil = rule, authority
Irish (Gaeilge)	riail [ɾˠiəlʲ] = rule, regulation, principle, sway, authority, order rialachán = regulation rialúchán = regulation, control
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	riaghail [r̪ˠiə.al] = rule, govern, administer riaghailt [r̪ˠiə.əldʲ] = rule, regulation, government riaghailteach [r̪ˠiə.əl̪ˠdʲəx] = regular, according to rule, orderly riaghailteachadh [r̪ˠiə.aldʲəxəɣ] = (act of) formulating, regulating, adjusting, adjustment riaghailteachas [r̪ˠiə.aldʲəxəs] = regulatory riaghailteachd = regularity, moderation riaghailtear [r̪ˠiə.aldʲər] = regulator riaghailtearachd [r̪ˠiə.aldʲərəxg] = administration riaghal [r̪ˠiə.əl̪ˠ] = rule
Manx (Gaelg)	reill = code, dominion, governance, policy, principle, reign; to charge, govern, order, regulate, rule reilley = to regulate, reign, rule; ruling reilleyder = governor, regulator, ruler, straight edge reilt = normal, to rule reiltagh = director, ordinal, president, rector, ruler; decisive, ruling, regular reiltys = governance, rule, kingdom, dominion, government
Proto-Brythonic	*rreɣol = rule (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ryol, reol, rhwol = rule, regulation, procedure, order, custom, pattern, government, dominion rhyolaeth, reolaeth = rule, control, management, authority, discipline rwyoli, reoli, ryoli, rhywoli = to rule, control, direct, govern roliad = rule, control, government ryolus, reolus, rheolus, rreolys = regular, orderly, disciplined, moderate, consant
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rheol [ˈr̥eː.ɔl] = rule, regulation, procedure, order, custom, pattern, government, dominion rheol(i)aeth = rule, control, management, authority, discipline rheoli = to rule, control, direct, govern rheolaidd = regular, regulated, orderly rheoliad = rule, control, government rheolus = regular, orderly, disciplined, moderate, consant
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	reol, rowl, rovle = rule, government rowler = ruler, governor
Cornish (Kernewek)	rewl, rowl = regulation, rule rewlya, rowlya = to control, regulate, rule rewlyades, rowlyades = ruler (f) rewlyas, rowlyas = ruler (m) rewlys = regular
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	regul = rule, regulation
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reul, reol, reoll = rule, regulation reulenn = rule reulennaff = to regulate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reol = rule, principle, regime reolennadur = regulation reolennan = to regulate reoliadur = regulation reoliata = to regulate reoliek = regular reolius = regulatory

Etymology: from Latin rēgula (rule, bar, ruler), from regō (I rule, govern, direct, guide, steer, control), from Proto-Italic *regō, from Proto-Indo-European *h₃réǵeti (to be straightening, to be setting upright), from *h₃reǵ- (to straighten, to righten) – see above [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lagh [l̪ˠɤɣ] = law laghachd [l̪ˠɤɣəxg] = legislation laghadh [l̪ˠɤɣəɣ] = legalising, legalisation laghaiche [l̪ˠɤɣɪçə] = lawyer, solicitor laghaichte [l̪ˠɤɣɪçdʲə] = legalised laghail [l̪ˠɤɣal] = legal, lawful, litigious, argumentative laghaileachd [l̪ˠɤɣaləxg] = lawfulness, legality
Manx (Gaelg)	leigh = enactment, law, respect leighagh = legal, litigious leighder = lawyer, advocate, attorney, barrister, council leighoil = lawful, legal, legislative, legitimate

Etymology: from English law, or Middle English lawe/laȝe (law, regulation, morality), or Old English lagu (law, rule, right), all of which come from Old Norse lǫg (law, rule, right), from Proto-Germanic *lagą (situation, law, a settled amount), from Proto-Indo-European *legʰ- (to lie [down]). The English words lie and lay come from the same roots [source].

Disease

27th November 2024 By Simon

Words for sickness, disease, grief and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*galarom = a distressing or painful condition, such as disease, illness, grief, sorrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	galar = disease, pain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	galar, galur, gallra, galara = sickness, disease, (physical) pain, mental suffering, distress, grief
Irish (Gaeilge)	galar [ˈɡɑl̪ˠəɾˠ/ˈɡɔlˠəɾˠ] = sickness, disease, affliction, misery, diseased, miserable, worthless galrach = diseased, infected, sickly, morbid galrachán = sickly creature or thing galracht = sickliness, morbidity galareagla = hypochondria galareolaí = pathologist
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	galar [gal̪ˠər] = disease, illness, malady, ailment galar-eòlas = pathology galar-sgaoilte = epidemic galarach [gal̪ˠərəx] = diseased, infective galaraich = infect
Manx (Gaelg)	gorley = disease, festering, malady darrag = oak, beam, cast (fishing), snood, hairline gorley-oaylleeaght = pathology gorlagh = diseased, infectious ym-ghorley = epidemic
Proto-Brythonic	*galar = grief, sorrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	galar = mourning, grief, sorrow, longing (for a deceased person), lament(ation), sighing galargyrn = horn of mourning
Welsh (Cymraeg)	galar [ˈɡalar/ˈɡaːlar] = mourning, grief, sorrow, longing (for a deceased person), lament(ation), sighing galaraeth = grief, tribulation galaru = to mourn, grieve, lament, moan, weep, wail galaraidd = mournful galargan = elegy, lament galarnadus = lamented, lamentable, mournful, plaintive
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	galar = grief, sorrow, anguish, a pang, lamentation galarow = to weep for, bewail, lament
Cornish (Kernewek)	galar [daːr / dæːr] = grief galarek = miserable galari = to grieve, lament, mourn galarow = agony
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glachar = sorrow, afflication, pain
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glacʼhar [ˈɡlɑːɣar] = sorrow, affliction, pain glacʼhariñ [ɡlaˈɣɑː.rĩ] = to afflict, grieve glacʼharus [ɡla.ˈɣɑː.rys] = distressing, heartbreaking, desolate, painful (morally)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰelH-ro-. Possibly related to the English word gall, and the Lithuanian word žalà (damage, harm) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ankus = slaughter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	écht = slaying, exploit
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	écht, echt, eacht = a slaying, slaughter, pity, grief, sorrow, mourning, exploit, prowess, deed of valour
Irish (Gaeilge)	éacht [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = killing, slaying, slaughter, feat, exploit, achievement éachtach = full of prowess, powerful, wonderful, extraordinary éachtaí = wondrousness, extraordinariness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	euchd [iəxg] = exploit, feat, deed euchdach [iəxgəx] = heroic, daring euchdmhor = abounding in achievements, deeds or feats
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aeth = pain, woe, grief, sorrow, longing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aeth = pain, woe, grief, sorrow, longing, fear, fright, terror, shock aethlyd = terrible, dreadful, hideous, horrible, grievous, painful

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *n̥ḱtu, from *neḱ- (to perish, disappear) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include innocent, necropolis, nectar, noxious and nuisance in English, nuocere (to harm, injure, damage) in Italian, nuire (to harm, spoil) in French, anegar (to inundate, flood, drown) in Spanish, éag (Death, numbness) in Irish, angau (death, decease) in Welsh, and related words in the other Celtic languages [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Lithuanian (lietuvių kalba)

Crested Combs

Nests

Winnowing Wheat

Gnawing Bites

Captive Hostages

Granular Grains

Birth

Pursuing Followers

Dutiful Laws

Disease