Magic and Spells

22nd December 202222nd December 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for magic, spells and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*brixtā = spell, magical formula, incantation
Celtiberian	*bruxtia
Gaulish	brixtia
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bricht = charm, spell, incantation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bricht = incanation, charm, magic spell
Irish (Gaeilge)	briocht = charm, spell, amulet briocht sí = fairy charm briocht a chanadh = to chant a spell briocht draíochta = magic spell
Proto-Brythonic	*briθ [ˈbriːθ] = charm, incantation
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lleturith, lledrith, ledryth = magic, spell, charm, enchantment llethrithawc, lledrithyawc, lleturithawc = magic, magical, enchanted
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lledrith, lledfrith = magic, spell, charm, enchantment; apparition, spectre, phantom; illusion, delusion, fantasy, imagination lledrithaid = pretence, dissembling, deception lledrithiaf, lledrithio = to counterfeit, fake, pretend, simulate lledrithiog = magic, magical, enchanted
Old Breton	brith = charm, incantation (?)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰerHǵ- (enlighten). Words that probably come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Celtiberian *bruxtia, include bruja (witch, crone, hag, owl) in Spanish, bruxa (witch, hex) in Galician, bruxa (witch) in Portuguese, and bruixa (witch) in Catalan [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	dríocht [ˈd̪ˠɾˠihaxt̪ˠə] = druidic art, druidism, witchcraft, magic, charm, enchantment draíochtach = magical, bewitching, entrancing draíochtúil = magic, magical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	draoidheachd [drɯjəxg] = magic, socery, druidism eun-draoidheachd = augury slat-draoidheachd = magic wand/td>
Manx (Gaelg)	druaight = charm, druid druaightagh = charmer, charming, druid, magician, occult druaightys = charming, druid, druidism, magic fo druaight = charmed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	derwyddiaeth [dɛrˈwəðjaɨ̯θ/dɛrˈwəðjai̯θ] = druidism, the druid cult
Cornish (Kerneweg)	drewydhieth = druidism
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drouizelezh / drouiziezh = druidism

Etymology: these words come from the same roots as words for druid.

Proto-Celtic	soitos. soyto- = magic
Proto-Brythonic	hʉd = magic, charm hʉdol* = charming, illusory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hut, hud = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft hûdadwy, hydadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hud [hɨːd/hiːd] = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft, spell, enchantment, charm, fascination, allurement, persuasion hudadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible hudaf, hudo = to fashion or produce by magic, conjure, cast a spell upon, enchant, charm, entice, allure, persuade, seduce, beguile hudaidd = alluring, charming, seductive hudol = charming, enchanting, enticing, alluring, illusory, deceptive, deceitful
Old Cornish	hudol = charming, illusory
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huder = a deceiver, hypocritic, juggler, sorcerer hudol = sorcerer
Cornish (Kerneweg)	hus = charm, enchantment, illusion, magic, sorcery, spell husa = to charm, create an illusion, enchant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hud = magic hudek, hudel = magic, magical hudiñ = to charm, enchant, bewitch, delight hudour = magician, wizard hudouriezh = magic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hud = magic hudek = magic, magical hudour = magician, wizard

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-Etymology *sh₂oy-tó-s (magic), from *sh₂ey (to bind, fetter) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include seiður (magic, witchcraft, sorcery) in Icelandic, sejd (sorcery, witchcraft, magic potion) in Swedish, and seid (magic) in Norwegian [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

Flowers

29th September 202229th September 2022 By Simon

Words for flower, blossom and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*blātus = flower, blossom
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bláth = flower, blossom, bloom
Irish (Gaeilge)	bláth [bˠl̪ˠɑː/bˠl̪ˠaː] = blossom, flower; bloom, beauty, prime; prosperity, abundance bláthach = floral, flowering bláthadóir = florist bláthadóireacht = cultivation of flowers bláthaigh = to blossom, bloom bláthóg = floret
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	blàth [bl̪ˠaː] = bloom, blossom, flower; consequence, effect; heyday blàthaich = (to) flower, flourish blàthach = flowery
Manx (Gaelg)	blaa [bleː] = bloom, blossom, flower; heyday, pride blaaghey = to bloom, blossom, bud, flourish, flower blaagheyder = florist blaaoil = floral, florid, flowery
Proto-Brythonic	*blọd = flower
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	blodeuyn, blodeun, blodeuoed = flower blodeu, blodev, bloden, blawt, blawd = flowers
Welsh (Cymraeg)	blodyn [ˈblɔdɨ̞n / ˈbloːdɪn] = flower, bloom, blossoms, florets, flowering plant, petal blodau = flowers, blooms, blossom, florets; flowering plant blodeuad = flowering, blooming, blossoming blodeua(f), blodeuo = to flower, bloom, blossom, bud; flourish, thrive, prosper; mature, gather flowers; to menstruate blodeuaidd = floral, flower-like, flowering, floriform blodeuas = bouquet blodeuddwyn = floriferous, flower-bearing
Old Cornish	blodon = flower, blossom
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	blodon, bledzhian, bledzhan = flower, blossom
Cornish (Kernewek)	bleujen [ˈblɛdʒən] = blossom, flower bleujyowa = to blossom, flower bleujyowek = flower bed
Old Breton	bloduu = blossom, flower
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bleuzff = blossom, flower
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bleuñv [blœ̃w] = flowers, flowering; apogee; menstruation bleuãvenn = flower bleuñveg = flowerbed bleuñvell = jewel, floret bleuñvellek = flowery bleuñvin = to flower, blossom, flourish

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰleh₃- (bloom, flower) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include bloom, blossom, blade, flower, flour and flourish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Blood

6th September 20226th September 2022 By Simon

Words for blood and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wolis, weli- = blood
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fuil [fulʲ] = blood, wound
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fuil [fulʲ] = blood, wound
Irish (Gaeilge)	fuil [fˠɪlʲ / fˠɨ̞lʲ] = blood fuilaistriú = blood transfusion fuilbheartach = sanguinary, bloody-minded fuilchill = blood cell fuilchíocrach = bloodthirsty fuilchoirpín = blood corpuscle fuildoirteadh = bloodshed fuiligh, cuir fola = to bleed cú fola = bloodhound
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fuil [ful] = blood, family, tribe, kindred fuileachdach = bloody, bloodthirsty fuil-mìos = menstruation, period brùthadh-fala = blood pressure cion-fala = anæmia iomlaid fala = blood transfusion marag-fhala = black pudding ruith-fala = haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, piles
Manx (Gaelg)	fuill [fuɪlʲ] = blood, breeding, kindred fuill-vreck = bloodstained coo folley = bloodhound lhiggey fuill, roie folley = to bleed mooinjer folley = blood relation ym-roie folley = hemophilia
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gweli, gwely, gueli = wound, cut, gash
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gweli [ˈɡwɛli] = (bleeding) wound, cut, gash, ulcer, sore gweli angheuol mortal wound gwelïaf, gwelïo = to wound, injure, hurt, exulcerate; to fester gwelïog = fulls of wounds, sores, ulcers, wounded, bruised
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	goly = wound, mark, hurt guli = wound
Cornish (Kernewek)	goli = injury, wound goli bew/byw = ulcer golia = to wound goliesiges = casualty
Middle Breton	gouli, goulyow = wound, injury
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouli = wound, injury

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *welh₃- (to wound, strike) [source]. Words from the same root include vulnerable, valkyrie and Valhalla [source].

Proto-Celtic	krū- = blood krowos = blood *krowdi- = rude
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crú = gore, blood
Irish (Gaeilge)	cró [kɾˠoː / kɾˠɔː] = blood, gore
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crò [krɔː] = blood, gore, blood oath crò-dhearg = crimson
Proto-Brythonic	*krow = blood
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crev, creu = blood
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crau [kraɨ̯ /krai̯] = blood, gore, carnage, bloody creulon = bloody, cruel, fierce, brutal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crow = gore, blood, death
Cornish (Kernewek)	krow = bloodshed, gore

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kréwh₂s (blood) [source]. English words from the same root include crude and raw [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wayos = blood
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guayt, guaed, gwaet = blood. gore, juice, sap
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwaed [ˈɡwaːɨ̯d /ˈɡwai̯d] = blood. gore, juice, sap gwaedlyf haemorrhage gwaedlyd = bloody, sanguinary gwaedlyn = lymph gwaedogen = black pudding gwaedlyn = lymph gwaedu = to bleed
Old Cornish	guit = blood
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gois, goys, goos, gos = blood gosys = bloody
Cornish (Kernewek)	goos [ˈɡuːz] = blood, bloodline devera goos = to bleed, lose blood gwaskedh goos = blood pressure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwad [ˈɡwaːt] = blood, essence gwadañ = to bleed gwadegenn = black pudding, blood sausage gwadgi = bloodhound gwadorged = incest

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Sailing

10th August 202210th August 2022 By Simon

Words for sail and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*siglom = sail, course, run
Old Irish (Goídelc)	séol [sʲeːu̯l] = sail
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	séol = sail séolaid = to sail
Irish (Gaeilge)	seol [ʃoːl̪ˠ/ʃɔːlˠ] = sail; covering, canopy; drift, tend, course, direction, flow, motion seoladh = to sail, sailing; course, direction, guidance, dispatch seoladóir = shipper seoladóireacht = shipping seolchrann = mast seoltóir = sailor, sender, remitter, drover, (electrical) conductor seoltóireacht = sailing long seol = sailing ship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seòl [ʃɔːl̪ˠ] = sail; navigate, direct, guide, govern, regulate seòlaid = shipping route, passage, sway(ing), nervous movement seòl-mara = tide seòladair = sailor seòladaireach = nautical
Manx (Gaelg)	shiauill = sail, navigate, shiauilley = to sail, navigate, sailing shiauilteyr = ferryman, sailor, seafarer, seaman shiaulteyragh = nautical
Proto-Brythonic	*hɨɣl = sail, course, run
Old Welsh	huil = sail
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hwyl, hvyl, huyl = sail
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hwyl [huːɨ̯l/hʊi̯l] = sail, sheet, covering, pall; journey, progress, revolution, orbit, course, route, career, rush, assault; hilarity, jollity, mirth, amusement, fun, humour hwylbawl, hwylbolyn = boom, bowspirt hwylbren = mast, flagstaff hwyldroaf, hwyldroi = to tack, change course, veer hwylfa = way, narrow road or street, lane, path, alley, voyage hwylfwrdd = sailboard, windsurfer hwylfyrddio = to sailboard, windsurf hwylio = to sail, embark, set out on a voyage or journey, navigate hwyliwr = navigator, mariner, sailor, leader, organizer
Old Cornish	guio = sail
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	gol, goyl, guil = sail (of a ship) gwelan gôl = sail yard
Cornish (Kernewek)	gool = sail golya = to sail skath-wolya = sailing boat gorhel golyow = sailing ship
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouel = sail gouelier = to sail gouelierezh = sailmaker

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly from the Old English seġ(e)l (sail), from the Proto-Germanic *segl (sail), from *seglą (sheet, sail), the origins of which are uncertain. Possibly cognate with the Latin sagum (coarse woolen coat), from the Gaulish *sagos (wool cloak). Related words include sail in English, zeil (sail, tarpaulin) in Dutch, Segel (sail) in German, and sejl (sail) in Danish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Here’s Leis an Lurgainn, a song in Scottish Gaelic about sailing:

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

Sieving Riddles

15th July 202215th July 2022 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	*krētros = sieve
Old Irish (Gaoidhealg)	críathar = sieve
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	críathar = sieve, riddle críatharach = marsh, morass, boggy wasteland críathrad = act of winnowing, sifting, riddling críathraid = sifts, riddles, spreads
Irish (Gaeilge)	criathar [ˈcɾʲiəhəɾˠ / ˈcɾʲiːhəɾˠ] = sieve, riddle criathach = pitted, perforated, swampy criathrú = winnowing, sifting, honeycombing criathradóir = winnower, sifter, maker of sieves criathraigh = to sieve, winnow, riddle, sift, honeycomb criathróir = animal surefooted on boggy ground criathar meala = honeycomb criathar mín = fine sieve
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	criathar [krʲiə.ər] = riddle, sieve criathar-tomhais = bushel (measure and implement) criathar-garbh = riddle (implement) criatharair [krʲiəhərɛrʲ] = sieve-maker criathradh [krʲiarəɣ] = (act of) filtering
Manx (Gaelg)	creear = sieve, riddle creearey = sieve, pan, sift, riddle creear meein = fine sieve creear garroo = rough sieve jannoo creear = to honeycomb
Proto-Brythonic	*kruɨdr = wandering, sieve
Old Welsh	cruitr = winnowing shovel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cruidir, crwydr = sieve
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crwydr [ˈkrʰʊɨ̯dr̩ / ˈkrʰʊi̯dr̩] = a wandering, a roaming; misfortune, trouble, confusion, rout, dispersion; a straying, aberration, error; winnowing-fan, winnowing-shovel, sieve crwydro = to wander, roam, stroll, gad about, stray, go astray, deviate, digress crwydredig = wandering, vagrant, roving, stray crwydro = barn, granary, farm building crwydrwr = wanderer, vagrant, vagabond, rover, nomad
Old Cornish	croider = sieve, riddle
Middle Cornish	croider, crodar = sieve, riddle
Cornish (Kernewek)	kroder = coarse sieve, strainer, riddle kroder kroghen = bodhrán, hold-all
Old Breton	croitir = sieve, riddle
Middle Breton	croezr = sieve, riddle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krouer = sieve, riddle, screen krouerañ = to sift, riddle, sieve krouer liammoù = link generator rakkroueriañ = pre-screening

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *krey-trom (sieve) from *krey- (to sift, separate, divide) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include crime, crisis, riddle and secret in English, ceart (right, correct, true) in Irish, and crynu (to tremble, shake) and ergryn (horror, dread) in Welsh [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Brushes and Broom

12th July 202212th July 2022 By Simon

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

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scúap [skuə̯b] = brush, broom, sheaf, bundle scúapad = act of sweeping scúapaire = sweeper
Irish (Gaeilge)	scuab [sˠkuəbˠ] = besom, broom; brush; sheaf, armful, bundle; to sweep scuabach = sweeping, flowing; gusty scuabachán = sweeping, sweepings scuabadh = to sweep, wash scuabadóir = sweeper scuabán = little besom, little brush, little sheaf, armful, bundle scuab fiacla = toothbrush scuab ghruaige = hairbrush scuab ingne = nailbrush scuab phéinte = paintbrush sreangscuab = wire brush
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sguab [sguəb] = broom, besom, brush, sheaf sguabte = brushed, swept sguabanta = tidy, trim, clean sguabadh = brushing, sweeping sguabachan = brush sguabag = gusty, wind, whisk, sheaf (of corn) sguabadair = vacuum cleaner sguabair = sweeper sguab-aodaich = clothes brush
Manx (Gaelg)	skeab = besom, broom skeabey = brush, brushing, brush over, brush up, sweep, sweeping skeabit = brushed, swept skeaban daah, skeaban-slaa = paintbrush skeaban feeackle = toothbrush skeaban folt/fuilt = hairbrush
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨskʉb = brush, broom
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	escup, yscub, ysgub = brush, broom
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgub [ˈəsɡɨ̞b / ˈəsɡɪb] = sheaf, wheatsheaf, bundle; brush, broom, besom, quiver of arrows ysgubell = brush, broom, besom, mop, bunch (of flowers) ysgubo = to brush, sweep (away), make into sheaves ysgubol = sweeping ysgubor = barn, granary, farm building ysgubwr = sweeper, sweep ysgub blu = feather duster priodas (coes) ysgub = informal wedding in which the parties jump over a broomstick in the presence of witnesses
Middle Cornish	scibia = to sweep, brush sciber = barn, any large room scubilen = whip, scourge
Cornish (Kernewek)	skub = sweeping skubell, skubyllen = broom, brush skubellik = paintbrush skubell sugna = vacuum cleaner skubell-wolghi = mop skuber, skubores = sweeper skubus = sweeping skubya = to brush, sweep skubyllen dhes = toothbrush skubyon = refuse, sweepings
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skub = broom, brush, blade; sweep skubell = broom, brush, blade; sweep skubell-vroust(añ) = scrubbing brush skuberez = sweeper

Etymology: from the Latin scōpa (broom) Proto-Indo-European *skeh₂p- (to prop) [source]. Words from the same Latin root include scopa (broom) in Italian, escoba (broom) in Spanish, and shqopë (heather, heath, briar) in Albanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*banatlo- = broom (shrub)
Gaulish	*balano- = broom (shrub)
Celtiberian	bálago-, bálaco- = broom (shrub)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bealaidh [bɛl̪ˠɪn] = broom (shrub) bealaidh-Frangach, bealaidh-Sasannach = laburnum
Proto-Brythonic	*banatlo- = broom (shrub)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	banadil, banadyl, banadl = broom (shrub)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	banadl, banal = broom (shrub) banadl Ffrainc = laburnum
Old Cornish	banathel = broom (shrub)
Middle Cornish	banal = broom (shrub)
Cornish (Kernewek)	banadhel = broom (shrub)
Middle Breton	balzazn = broom (shrub)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	balan = broom (shrub)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰenH-tlom (way, path) in the sense of “cleared path (in a wood)” [source].

The French word balai (broom, broomstick, brush) comes from the Gaulish *balano-, via Old French, Middle Breton and Old Breton [source]. The Spanish word bálago (straw, Spanish broom), comes from the same Gaulish root, via the Celtiberian *bálago-/*bálaco-,

The shrub known as broom in Britain and Ireland is also known as common broom or Scotch broom, or Cytisus scoparius in Latin. It is a deciduous leguminous shrub native to western and central Europe. Broom can also refer to similar plants, such as French broom and Spanish broom [source]. .

Twigs from the broom, and from other plants, can be tied to a stout stick and used to sweep things. Such implements are tradtionally known as besoms or broom besoms, and became known simply as brooms [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Ferns and Bracken

8th July 20228th July 2022 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	ɸratis, frati- = fern, bracken
Gaulish	ratis = fern, bracken
Old Irish (Goídelc)	raithnech [ˈr͈aθʲnʲex] = fern, bracken
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	raith = fern, bracken
Irish (Gaeilge)	raithneach = fern, bracken raithneachán = ferny place raithneachúil = ferny
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	raineach [r̪ˠan̪ʲəx] = fern, bracken; hashish, weed raith [r̪ˠɛ] = fern, bracken raineachail = abounding in fern, ferny, like fern
Manx (Gaelg)	renniagh = fern, bracken renniaghoil = ferny
Proto-Brythonic	*rrėdɨn = ferns, bracken
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rhedyn = ferns, bracken retinoc, redinauc, rhydynog = ferny
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhedyn [ˈr̥ɛdɨ̞n / ˈr̥eːdɪn] = ferns, bracken rhedynen = fern rhedyn eryraidd = bracken rhedyna = to gather ferms rhedynaidd = ferny rhedyneg = ferny ground rhedynog = ferny (land), abounding with ferns, fern-like, made of fern
Old Cornish	reden = ferns, bracken redenen = fern
Middle Cornish	reden = ferns, bracken redenen, redanen = fern
Cornish (Kernewek)	reden = ferns, bracken redenen = fern
Middle Breton	reden = ferns, bracken radenenn = fern
Breton (Brezhoneg)	raden = ferns, bracken radenenn = fern

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *p(t)erH- (fern) [source].

The English word fern comes from the same PIE root, via the Old English fearn and the Proto-West-Germanic *farn [source].

Other words from the same PIE root include paparde (fern) in Latvian, paproć (fern) in Polish, and папрат (fern) in Bulgarian [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Crooked

22nd June 202212th November 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for crooked and twisted and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*kambos = twisted, crooked, bent
Gaulish	Cambo- = found in place names
Old Irish (Goídelc)	camm, cam [kam] = crooked, bent, curved, twisted; wavy, curly (hair)
Irish (Gaeilge)	cam [kaumˠ / kɑːmˠ / kamˠ] = bend, bent, crooked, crookedness, fraud object; to bend, crook, distort camadán = bent, crooked (person or thing) camadh = to bend camalanga = unintelligible talk camalóid = high-backed, humped (animal), tall stooped person camán = hurling-stick, hurley, bent, crooked, object, quaver camarsach = wavy, curled camas = small bay, curve; (river) bend
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cam [kaum / kaimə] = bent, crooked, awry, not straight, squinty, wry, one-eyed; bend, curve, trick cama-chasach = bow/bandy-legged cam-chòmhdhail = awkward meeting. misadventure cam-bheulach = wry-mouthed camadh = bending, curving, curve, curvature, crook, variant, variation camaghaileach [kamaɣaləx] = twisted, winding caman = club, stick, shinty stick, quaver camanachd = shinty
Manx (Gaelg)	cam = bent, crooked, deceitful, intricate, knotty, perverse, rakish, wry, wrong cam-hooilagh = cross-eyed, squinting cam-jeeragh = meandering, tortuous camlurgey = bowlegged, bandy-legged
Proto-Brythonic	*kam = crooked, bent
Old Welsh	cam = crooked, bent
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cam = crooked, bent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cam [kam] = crooked, bent, hunch-backed, distorted, wry, bowed, curved, looped, winding; one-eyed, squint-eyed; wrong, evil, false, unjust, deceitful; misdeed, sin, vice, injustice, injury ar gam = in error, erroneously, unjustly, falsely, astray, amiss ar y cam = in the wrong, culpable yng ngham = wrong, wrongly, unjustly, in error, faulty camgymeriad = mistake, misapprehension, misconstruction, error camni, cami = crookedness, crook, curvature, twist camog = crookedness, curvature, hump-backed person camu [ˈkamɨ / ˈkami] = to bend, stoop, curve, bow, pervert, distort, abuse
Middle Cornish	cam = crooked, wry, distorted, squint-eyed, perverse, wrong, wicked camgarrec = bandy-legged camma = to bend, curve, make crooked; trepass camnivet = rainbow camwul = to do wrong
Cornish (Kernewek)	kamm = bent, crooked, erroneous, error, wrong kamma = to curve kammas = bay, bend kammdremena = to trespass kammdreylya = to zigzag kammdybi, kammwul = to err kammgemeryans = mistake kammgonvedhes = to misunderstand kammhynsek = unjust, unrighteous, wicked
Old Breton	cam(m) = curved, curve, lame, bad, wicked camaff = to bend, limp
Middle Breton	kamm = curved, curve
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kamm = angled, bent, bend kammadur = bending, camber, cambering kammañ = to arch kammigell = zigzag, squabble, chicane kammigellañ = to zigzag

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kh₂em- (to arch), from *(s)ḱh₂embos (crooked) [source].

The Gaulish version of the word appears in the place name Cambo-dunum, also written Kambodunon, which became Campodūnum in Latin, which was a town in the Roman province of Raetia, and is now Kempten in Bavaria in southern Germany [source].

The name Campbell comes from the Scottish Gaelic Caimbeul, from cam (crooked) and beul (mouth) [source], while Cameron comes from Camshròn, from cam (crooked) and sròn (nose) [source].

The Proto-Celtic word *kambos is the root of the Galician words camba (doorjamb of an oven, handmill), cambar (to bend), cambiar (to change) [source].

*kambos was possibly also borrowed into French as camus [ka.my] (flat-nosed, snub-nosed) [source], and this ended up in English as camous/camoys (flat, depressed, crooked nose) [source].

Other English words from the PIE root (*kh₂em-), include camera, camp, campus, champagne and champion [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wēros = crooked
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíar = bent, crooked, curved
Irish (Gaeilge)	fiar [fʲiəɾˠ] = slant, tilt, bias, obliquity, bend, twist, crookedness, perverseness; slanting, tilted, oblique, diagonal fiaradh to slant, tilt
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fiar [fiər] = bent, crooked, squint, wry, oblique, perverse fiaragach = slanted, twisted, touchy fiaranaich = slant fiaradh = slanting, slant, distorting, skewing, distortion fiarach = inclinning, slanting fiaras = crookedness
Proto-Brythonic	*gwuɨr = crooked, bent
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gvir, gwyr [ɡwɨr] = crooked, bent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵyr [ɡuːɨ̯r/ɡʊi̯r] = askew, slanting, oblique, aslant, cross(-eyed), squinting, crooked, curved, bent, distorted, unjust, dishonest, wrong, evil; wickedness, error, wandering, twist gwyrio = to bow, stoop, bend, lean, incline, slant, slope gwyraidd = sloping, slanting, stooping
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwarr = curve gwarak = arch, arc, bow, crescent
Middle Breton	goar = curved, curve
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwar = curved gwared = arch

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weh₁iros (turned, twisted), from *weh₁y- (to twist, wrap) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Sisters

22nd April 202222nd April 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for sister and related people in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*swesūr [ˈswe.suːr] = sister
Gaulish	suiorebe = sister
Old Irish (Goídelc)	siur [ˈsʲi.ur] = sister, kinswoman, female relation derbṡiur [ˈdʲerʲvʲ.fʲi.ur] = sister (by blood / in a religious community) sinserṡiur [ˈsʲinsʲerˌhi.ur] = elder sister
Irish (Gaeilge)	siúr [ʃuːɾˠ] = sister, kinswoman; Sister (member of a religious community); (nursing) sister deirfiúr = sister deirfiúr athar = paternal aunt deirfiúr máthar = maternal aunt deirfiúr céile = sister-in-law leathchúpla deirféar = twin sister iníon deirféar = brother’s son, niece mac deirféar = sister’s son, nephew deirféar = sisterly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	siùir [ʃuːrʲ] = sister (archaic) piuthar [pju.ə] = sister piùthrag [pjuːrag] = little sister, sis piutharail [pju.əral] = sisterly peathrachas [pɛrəxəs] = sisterhood, soroity piuthar-chèile = sister-in-law piuthar leth-aon = twin sister piuthar-altraim = foster-sister piuthar-athar = paternal aunt piuthar-màthar = maternal aunt
Manx (Gaelg)	shuyr [ʃuːr] = sister shayragh, shuyroil = sisterly shuyrys = sisterhood shuyr (v)ayrey = aunt shuyr gholtit = foster-sister shuyr lannoonagh = twin sister shuyr ‘sy leigh = sister-in-law
Proto-Brythonic	*hwehir = sister
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chwaer = sister
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwaer [χwaːɨ̯r / χwai̯r] = sister, half-sister, female mate or partner; maiden, sweetheart, mistress; nun, sister (in hospital) chwaer efell = twin sister chwaer faeth = foster sister chwaer fedydd = god-sister chwaer yng nghyfraith = sister-in-law hanner chwaer = half-sister, step-sister chwaerol = sisterly chwaeroliaeth = sisterhood
Old Cornish	huir = sister
Cornish (Kernwek)	hwor = sister hanter-hwor = half-sister
Old Breton	guoer = sister
Middle Breton	hoer = sister
Breton (Brezhoneg)	c’hoar = sister c’hoarig = sis, little sister; twin sister c’hoarelezh = sisterhood c’hoar-gaer, c’hoareg = sister-in-law, stepsister

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *swésōr (sister) [source].

Here’s a traditional Scottish Gaelic song about sisters – A’ phiuthrag ’sa phiuthar

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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Mothers

13th April 202217th April 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for mother and related people in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	mātīr [ˈmaː.tiːr] = mother mātrikʷā, *mātrokʷī = maternal aunt, mother-like
Gaulish	mātīr [ˈmaːtiːr] = mother
Celtiberian	matrubos = mothers
Old Irish (Goídelc)	máthir [ˈmaːθirʲ] = mother máthrathatu = motherhood máthramail = resembling one’s mother
Irish (Gaeilge)	máthair [ˈmˠɑːhəɾʲ/ˈmˠɑːɾʲ/ˈmˠahærʲ] = mother, source (of a river) máthairab = abbess máthairthír = mother country máthreachas = maternity, motherhood máthrigh = to mother, bear, foster máthriúil = motherly, tender, kind, mother-like máthriúlacht = motherliness leasmháthair = stepmother seanmháthair = grandmother
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	màthair [maːhɪrʲ] = mother, origin, source màthair-uisge = water source (of a river, etc) màthair-chéile = mother-in-law màthaireachd [maːhɪrʲəxg] = maternity, motherhood màthaireil = mother-like, motherly, maternal màthair athar = paternal grandmother màthair màthar = maternal grandmother màthair-sinnsireach = matrilinear leas-mhàthair = stepmother
Manx (Gaelg)	moir = mother, matron, mater, queen, dam; focus, fountainhead, generator moiragh, moiroil = motherly moiraght = motherhood moiraghys, moirys = maternity, motherhood moir-reilleyder/strong> = matriach lhiass voir = stepmother shenn voir = grandmother
Proto-Brythonic	*mọdreb = aunt
Old Welsh	modreped = aunts
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	modryb = aunt
Welsh (Cymraeg)	modryb = aunt, uncle’s wife, matron modrybaidd = aunt-like, matronly, motherly, respected modrydaf = queen bee, parent bee-colony, (old) beehive
Old Cornish	modereb = aunt
Cornish (Kernewek)	modrep = aunt modrebik = aunty
Old Breton	motrep = aunt
Middle Breton	mozreb = aunt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	moereb [ˈmweːrep] = aunt moereb-kozh = great aunt

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *méh₂tēr. (mother) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*mamm(y)ā = mother, nanny, mum
Old Irish (Goídelc)	muimme [ˈmaːθirʲ] = wet nurse, foster mother, instructress, patroness
Irish (Gaeilge)	buime = foster-mother, nurse
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muime [muimə] = stepmother, (wet) nurse, godmother muime-chìche = wet nurse muime-shìthe = fairy godmother
Manx (Gaelg)	mimmey = foster mother, god mother, godparent, guardian, sponsor
Proto-Brythonic	*mamm = mother
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mam = mother
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mam [mam] = mother, ancestress, dam, queen bee; source, origin, cause, root; womb, matrix, uterus, hysteria, pregnancy mamaeth = (wet) nurse, foster-mother, mother mamaetha = to nurse (a child), suckle, foster, nourish, cherish mamedd = motherhood mamiaith = mother tongue, vernacular mamwlad = mother country, motherland, native land
Old Cornish	mam = mother
Middle Cornish	mam = mother
Cornish (Kernewek)	mamm [mæm], mabm = mother mammeth = foster-mother, wet nurse mammik = mum mammrewl, mammrowl = matriarchy mamm-wynn = grandmother mamm vesydh = godmother
Middle Breton	mamm = mother
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mamm [ˈmãmː] = mother, female (animal), womb mammanv = matron, matriarch mammelezh = motherhood, maternity mammvro = motherland, homeland mamm-gozh = grandmother

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *mammā (mummy, mum) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Cornish

Magic and Spells

Flowers

Blood

Sailing

Sieving Riddles

Brushes and Broom

Ferns and Bracken

Crooked

Sisters

Mothers