Pins & Needles

17th February 202417th February 2024 By Simon

Words for pin, needle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*delgos = pin, needle
Gaulish	*dalgis = scythe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	delg [dʲerɡ] = thorn, pin, brooch, peg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	delg = thorn, pin, brooch, peg, spike, nail, pointed implement delga, delgu = pin, peg, spike, tip, point delgach = pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	dealg [ˈdʲal̪ˠəɡ / ˈdʲalˠəɡ] = thorn, prickle, spine, spike, pin, peg, pointed implement, brooch dealgán = knitting-needle deilgne = thorns, prickles deilgneach = thorny, prickly, barbed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dealg [dʲal̪ˠag] = pin, skewer, knitting needle, prick(le) dealg-fighidh = knitting needle dealgan = spindle, small pin, skewer dealg brodaidh = cattle prod dealgach [dʲal̪ˠagəx] = prickly, stinging dealganach [dʲal̪ˠaganəx] = pertaining to or abounding in spindles, small pins or skewers
Manx (Gaelg)	jialg = broochpin, needle, prick(le), quill, spine, thorn, pin jialg broghil = brooch jialg fuilt = hairpin jialg oashyr = knitting needle jialgagh = prickly, spiniferous, spiny, thorny jialgaghey = to pin, prickle, pinning
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dala = sting
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dala [ˈdala] = sting, bite
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	delc(h) = jewel, necklace
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	delc = necklace
Cornish (Kernewek)	delk = necklace

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *dʰelg- (sting). Words from the same root include dálkur (spine of a fish, knife, dagger, [newspaper] column) in Icelandic, dilgus (prickly) in Lithuanian, falce (scythe, sickle) in Italian, hoz (sickle) in Spanish, and falcate (shaped like a sickle), falcifer (sickle-bearing, holding a scythe) in English [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish *dalgis (scythe) and Latin *daculum (scythe) , possibly include dall (mowing, billhook) in Catalan, dalle (scythe) in Spanish, and dalha (scythe) in Occitan (Languedoc) [source].

The English word dagger, and related words in other languages, such as daga (dagger) in Spanish, and Degen (rapier, épée) in German, might come from the same roots [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ber = (cooking) spin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bi(u)r [bʲir] = stake, spit, point, spear, spike berach = pointed, sharp
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bir = stake, spit, point, spear, spike biraid = to pierce biraigthe = sharpened, pointed birda = pointed, sharp birín = little spike, sharp point, dart, little spear
Irish (Gaeilge)	bior [ˈbʲɨ̞ɾˠ] = pointed rod or shaft, spit, spike, point biorach = pointed, sharp bioraigh = to point, sharpen biorán = pin, hand (of clock) bioranta = sharp biorú = pointing, sharpening
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bior [bir] = prickle, thorn, point, pointed object, knitting needle biorachadh [birəxəɣ] = sharpening, making pointed, staring biorag [birag] = small thorn or prickle, spiteful sharp-tongued woman biorach [birəx] = pointed, sharp, piercing, prickly bioraich [birɪç] = sharpen, make pointed, stare
Manx (Gaelg)	birr, byr = point, spit birragh, byrragh = pointed, scathing, sharp, spiky, tapered, prickly birranagh = pointed, sharp birraghey = to sharpen, taper, tone up
Proto-Brythonic	ber = (cooking) spit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bêr, ber = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer beraid = as much as can be held on a spit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bêr [beːr] = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer ber(i)af, berio, beru = to spit (meat), impale, stab with a spear beriad = as much as can be held on a spit bergi = turnspit (dog) bernod = dagger, obelisk
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ber, bêr = spit, lance, spear
Cornish (Kernewek)	berya = to stab, run through
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ber, bèr, bir = (roasting) spit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ber [beːr] = spindle, point, spike beriad = pin berian = skewer

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *gʷéru (spit, spear) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include verrocchio (olive oil press) in Italian, verrou (bolt, lock) in French, cerrojo (bolt, latch) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	snātantā = needle (?) snātos = thread
Old Irish (Goídelc)	snáthat = needle snáith = thread
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	snáthat, snāthad, snathat = needle snáithe = thread
Irish (Gaeilge)	snáthaid [ˈsˠn̪ˠɑːhəd̪ˠ] = needle, snáthadóir = needle-maker snáth = thread, yarn, web
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	snàthad [sn̪ˠaː.əd] = needle, pointer (on a dial) snàthadair [sn̪ˠaː.ədɪrʲ] = needle-maker snàthadalan [sn̪ˠaː.ədəl̪ˠan] = needlecase snàthadh [sn̪ˠaː.əɣ] = threading, stringing snàthadag [sn̪ˠaː.ədag] = sting snàth [sn̪ˠaː] = thread, yarn
Manx (Gaelg)	snaid = needle, pointer, indicator, index snaid whaaley = sewing needle snaidagh = needle-like snaidey = knit obbyr snaidey = needlework snaih, snaie = line, thread, yarn, worm, netting
Old Welsh (Kymraec)	notuid = needle, pin
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	notwyd, nottwyd, nodwydd = needle, pin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nodwydd [ˈnɔdwɨ̞ð/ˈnɔdʊi̯ð] = needle, pin, pointer, dial nodwyddaf, nodwyddo = to sew, stitch, inject, prick nodwyddiad = acupuncture nodwyddig = small needle nodwyddwaith = needlework nodwyddwr = needlemaker, pinmaker, sewer, stitcher, tailor
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nadedh, nadzhedh = needle noden = thread, yarn
Cornish (Kernewek)	naswydh, najedh = needle neusen, neujen = thread, yarn neusenna = to thread
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nadoez, nados, nadoz = sewing needle neut, neud = thread
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nadoez [beːr] = needle, hand, pointer, spire nadoezenn = (clock) hand nadoezier = needle maker neud = thread, filaments, net, algae

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *(s)neh₁- (to spin, sew) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include needle, nerve, neuron, sinew and snood in English [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

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].

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

Weak and Feeble

2nd December 2023 By Simon

Words for weak, feeble and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*lubros = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lobur = weak, sick, infirm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lobar, lobur, lobor = weak, infirm, sick, afflicted lobrae = weakness, infirmity, sickness lobrán = weakling, weak person, afflicted person loburda = sickly, ailing loibríne = weak little one
Irish (Gaeilge)	lobhar [tʲasˠ/tʲæsˠ] = leper, (literary) weak, ailing person, afflicted person lobhra = leprosy, (literary) weakness, infirmity, affliction lobhrach = leprous, (literary) weak, ailing, afflicted lobhrán = leper, (literary) weakling, afflicted person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lobhar [l̪ˠo.ər] = leper, disgusting wretch lobhar-leigheas = antiseptic
Manx (Gaelg)	lourane = heat, warmth louraanagh, louranagh, louraneagh = leprous loihrey, lourey; louraanys, louraneys = leprosy
Proto-Brythonic	*lluβr = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llwfyr, llwrf, llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid, faint-hearted, unadventurous, apathetic, shy, mean, idle, lazy, improvident; damp; coward llwfrgalon, llyfrgalon = timid, faint-hearted
Middle Breton (Brrezhonec)	loffr, lofr = leper, leprous, oaf lovradur = leprosy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lovr = leper, oaf lovrezh = leprosy lovrañ = to contract/give leprosy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *luprós and *lewp- (to peel, strip) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wannos = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fann = helpless, weak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fann = weak, helpless, soft, pliant fannach = weak, weakling fannaid = weakens, grows weak fanntaise = a swoon, faintness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fann [fanˠ] = faint, weak, languid fannaigh = to weaken, enfeeble, grow weak fannán = gentle breeze fanntais = faaint, swoon, fainting-fit
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fann [fãũn̪ˠ] = weak, feeble, faint, helpless, delicate fannachadh [fan̪ˠəxəɣ] = becoming/making weak, fainting fannachd [fan̪ˠəxg] = weakness, state of being off/spoilt (food) fanntas [fãũn̪ˠdəs] = weakness, faintness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guan, gvann, gwan(n) = weak, feeble guander, gvander, gwan(n)der = weakness, feebleness, debility guanhau, gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwan [ɡwan] =weak, feeble, languid, faint, mild, gentle, lenient, sad, depressing, gloomy, unlucky, foolish, simple, credulous, timid gwander = weakness, feebleness, debility gwanedu = to dilute gwanedig = enfeebled, enervated, faint gwanhad = weakening, enfeeblement, enervation gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Old Cornish	guan = weak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guan, gwan = weak, feeble, infirm, poor gwander = weakness, infirmity, debility
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwann, gwadn = faint, frail, weak gwanna, gwadna = to weaken gwannhe, gwadnhe = to weaken gwannliwek, gwadnliwek = pale
Old Breton	guoaean = weak
Middle Breton (Brezhonec)	guan, goan, goann = weak goanaff, goano = to weaken
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwan [ˈɡwãːn] = weak, intransitive gwanaat [ɡwãˈnɑːt] = to weaken gwanadenn, gwanded, gwander = weakness gwanadur = weakening, dimming gwanaj = weak gwanded [ˈɡwãn.det] = weakness

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁weh₂-sn (to disappear, vanish), *h₁weh₂- (to leave, abandon, give out). English words from the same PIE root include vacant, vacuum, vain, void, wane, want and waste [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

Facing Opposition

10th November 202311th November 2023 By Simon

Words for face and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gnūstis = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gnúis [ɡnuːsʲ] = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gnúis = face, countenance, disc (of sun or moon), aspect, kind, form, species dognúisach = ill-featured, ill-favoured
Irish (Gaeilge)	gnúis [ɡn̪ˠuːʃ/ɡɾˠuːʃ] = face, mien, countenance, sour expression, frown, aspect, kind, form gnúiseach = well-favoured, good-looking. gnúiseachán = sour-faced person. gnúisgheal = bright-faced gnúis-searbh = sour-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnùis [gruːʃ] = face, countenance, visage gnùis-dhreach = aspect gnùis-bhrat = veil samhla-gnùis = smiley ☺️, emoticon maise-gnùis = cosmetics ruadhadh-gnùis = blush
Manx (Gaelg)	grooish = countenance, visage, aspect grooish-volley = deceit, deceive geyre-ghrooishagh = sharp-faced sharroo-ghrooishagh = vinegar-faced
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gnis = jaw, chin, countenance, face
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gnis [miːl] = jaw, chin, countenance, face gnisiaf, gnisio = to low, neigh, sigh, pant, groan, grumble
Cornish (Kernewek)	greuv = face, front

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same roots include cognition, cunning, gnome, ignorant, know, noble and uncouth in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*enekʷos = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	enech = face, honour, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	enech, ainech = face, front, opposite, against, in opposition to enechgris = face-flushing enechlóg = honour-price
Irish (Gaeilge)	oineach = honour, good name, reputation, generosity, hospitality, bounty, favour oineachúil = generous, good-natured eineach = face (literary) eineachlann = ‘honour-price’, proportionate compensation, satisfaction for injury, etc eineachras = safeguard, protection
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eanach [ɛnəx] = honour, praise
Proto-Brythonic	*ėnib = face
Old Welsh	enep = face
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wynep, wyneb, vynep = face wynebiat, wnepiat, wynepiat = surace, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion, wynebyon = surface, scum, froth,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wyneb [ˈwɨnɛb / ˈwɨnab] = face, countenance, expression, grimace, surface, area, front, side, honour, respect, status, effrontery, impudence, audacity, cheek wynebaf, wynebu = to face, look towards, confront, oppose, encourage, support (g)wynebiad = surace, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion = surface, scum, froth, head (of beer), cream (g)wynebol = honourable, worthy, facial, front, facing, promising, favourable, handsome, beautiful
Old Cornish	eneb = face
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	enep, enap = face, countenance, page (of a book)
Cornish (Kernewek)	enep = face, surface enebi = to face, oppose enebieth = opposition
Old Breton	enep = face
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	enep = face, resistance, opposition, opposite
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eneb [ˈẽːnep] = face, opposite, honour enebenn [e.ˈneː.bɛn] = upper, front, page eneberezh = opposition enebiñ = to oppose

Etymology: from the PIE *h₁enih₃kʷos (face), from animālis (animate, living), from *h₁én (in) and *h₃ókʷs (eye), and okno (window) in Czech [source].

Words from the same roots include eye in English, acs (eye, vision, attention) in Latvian, akis (eye, loop) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*antonos = forehead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	étan = brow, forehead
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	étan, édan = front, brow, forehead étanán = frontlet
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadan [ˈeːd̪ˠən̪ˠ/ˈeːd̪ˠənˠ] = front, face, flat surface, facet, table, end éadána = timid, diffident éadánacht = timidity, diffidence éadanchlár = fascia
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aodann [ɯːdən̪ˠ] = face, front, dial, side aodannach [ɯːdən̪ˠəx] = little face, mask, frontispiece aodann-clò = typeface aodann-coimheach = mask aodann creige = rockface, cliff-face
Manx (Gaelg)	eddin = face, facade, feature, front, apron, dial, impudence, cheek eddinagh = facial

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (face, forehead, front). Words from the same roots include answer, end in English, and anë (side, edge, verge, brink) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	agad [ˈaɣəð] = face, honour, surface
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	agad, aiged = face, countenance, surface, front
Irish (Gaeilge)	aghaidh [əiɟ/ai/əi̯] = face, front, aspect, dial (of clock), obverse (of coin) aghaidhbhéasach = civil-looking aghaidh-dhána = bold-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aghaidh [ɤː.ɪ] = face, visage, facade, front, facing, cheek, impudence, nerve aghaidheachd [ɤː.ɪjəxg] = resistance aghaidhich = oppose, face, confront, affront aghaidhichte = opposed, opposing, fronting, facing, confronted
Manx (Gaelg)	oai = countenance oaie = dial, exposure, facade, face, facial, front, frontage oaieagh = blasphemous, sepulchral

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to the Old Irish aigid (to drive), from Proto-Celtic *ageti (to drive), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti (to be driving) [source].

Proto-Celtic	drikā = face, front ɸaredrikā = face, front
Old Irish (Goídelc)	drech = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drech, dreach = face, countenance, front, surface drechach = fair, comely, graceful, shapely
Irish (Gaeilge)	dreach [dʲɾʲax] = facial appearance, look, expression, aspect, face, surface dreachadh =delineation, portrayal, make-up dreachadóir = delineator dreachúil = good-looking, comely
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dreach [drɛx] = figure, form, shape, appearance, complexion dreachmhor [drɛxvər] = comely, handsome, a healthy complexion dreachadh [drɛxəɣ] = portraying, shaping, adorning dreachail [drɛxal] = handsome, personable dreachalachd [drɛxəl̪ˠəxg] = handsomeness
Manx (Gaelg)	dreagh = expression
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyrch = face drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrich, edrych = to look, view, observe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drych [drɨːχ / driːχ] = mirror, looking-glass, reflection, example, magnifying-glass, glasses, countenance, appearance, aspect drachaf, drychu = to mirror, see, make apparent drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrych = regard, appearance edrych(af) = to look, view, observe, watch, search
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	derch = shape, aspect, appearance

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dr̥ḱ-eh₂ from *derḱ- (to see) [source]. Words from the same roots include dragon, drake and tarragon in English [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

With and Without

23rd September 202323rd September 2023 By Simon

Words for with, without, by and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

The emphatic forms of this word combined with personal pronouns are shown after the /.

Proto-Celtic	*letos = side
Old Irish (Goídelc)	la [la] = with, beside, by, belonging to, among; in the language of, in the opinion of lem(m), lim(m), leim, lium(m) / lemsa, li(u)msa = with me lat(t) / latso, latsu = with you (sg) leiss, les(s), lais(s), letha / le(i)som, laisem = with him l(a)ee, lǽ / lési = with her li(u)nn, le(i)nn, linn(a)i = with us lib / libsi = with you (pl) leu, léu leo, lethu / leusom, leosom = with them lam = with my lat = with your (sg) lia = with his/hers/its/their liar = with our lassa = with, which
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	la = beside, by, touching, along with, in the same direction as, following to course of, in the company of lem(m), lim(m), lium = with me lat(t), let = with you (sg) leiss, less, les = with him lee, laee, lea = with her lenn, leinn, linn = with us lib = with you (pl) leu, leo = with them
Irish (Gaeilge)	le [lʲɛ] = with, to, for, by, against, in proximity to, in contact with, beside, towards, facing, open to, along the face of, in company with, at, against liom / liomsa = with me leat / leatsa = with you (sg) leis / leis-sean = with him léi / léise = with her linn / linne = with us libh / libhse = with you (pl) leo / leosan = with them le mo, lem = with my le do, led = with your (sg) lena = with his/hers/its lenár = with our lena = with their le haghaidh = for, near, in store for
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	le [le] = with, by, using, in possession of, in favour of, downhill, downstream, lee(ward), port(side) leam / leamsa = with me leat / leatsa = with you (sg) leis / leissan = with him leatha / leathase = with her leinn / leinne = with us leibh / libhse = with you (pl/frm) leotha / leothasan = with them
Manx (Gaelg)	lesh [lɛʃ] = for, with, toward lhiam / lhiams = with me lhiat / lhiats = with you (sg) lesh / leshsyn = with him lhee / lheeish = with her lhien / lhienyn = with us lhiu / lhiuish = with you (pl) lhieu / lhieusyn = with them

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *letos (side), which is possibly related to *ɸletos (side) [source].

Words for half, side, wide, broad and related things in Celtic languages possibly come from the same roots [more details].

Proto-Celtic	writu = against writbero = to come against, return writkomfarsko- = to ask writtongo = to renounce
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fri [fʲrʲi] = towards, against, along, beside, close to, on the point of frimm, frium(m) / fri(u)msa = against me frit(t), friut(t) / fritso, fritsu = against you (sg) fris(s) / frissom, frissium = against him frie = against her frinn / finn(a)i = against us frib / fribsi = against you (pl) friu / friusom = against them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fri = towards, facing, turned to, against, alongside, by, next to, at, in contact with frim(m), frium / fri(u)msa = against me frit(t), friutt / fritsu = against you (sg) fris(s) / frissom = against him frie, friae / frise = against her fri(u)nn, frind / finn(a)i = against us frib, frithib / fribsi = against you (pl) friu / friusom = against them
Irish (Gaeilge)	re [rˠeː] = with, to, for, by, against (archaic, le is used instead) fara [ˈfˠaɾˠə] = along, with, beside, in addition to (rare, used in Munster) frae, fré [fˠɾˠeː] = with, along with (used in Connacht)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ri [rʲi] = against, busy with, engaged in, to, than ruim/ ruimsa = against me ruit / riutsa = against you (sg) ris / ris-san = against him rithe / rithese = against her rinn / rinne = against us ribh / ribhse = against you (pl) riutha / riuthasan = against them
Manx (Gaelg)	rish [rɪʃ] = along, beside, by, during, for rhym / rhyms = to me rhyt / rhyts = to you (sg) rish / rishyn = to him r’ee / r’eeish = to her rooin / rooinyn = to us riu / riuish = to you (pl) roo / roosyn = to them
Old Welsh	gurth = by, at, near
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wrth, vrth, Ỽrth = by, at, near
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(g)wrth [(g)ʊrθ / (g)ʊθ] = by, at, near, close to, opposite, facing, in contact with, on, against, also, with, beside, because of, as a result of, about, concerning wrth angen = according to need, as necessary wrth angor = at anchor wrth fron = near, close to, at the point of, almost wrth law, wrth y llaw = nearby, at hand, by hand wrth fynd heibio = in passing (of comment) wrth ben = on top of, above, over
Old Cornish	gurth = by
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	(w)orth = at, by, to, for, with (w)orthyf of/from/to/against me (w)orthys = of/from/to/against thee (w)orto = by/upon him or it (w)orty = by/upon her or it (w)orthyn = of/from/to/against us (w)ortheuch = of/from/to you orte, worté = by/upon them
Cornish (Kernewek)	orth = against, at orth ow brys = in my opinion orth bodh ow brys = intentionally orth niver = in number
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	oz, ouz, ouc’h, oud = against, to, of, opposite
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ouzh [us] = towards, to, against ouzh beg = below, at the bottom (of) diouzh [ˈdiːus/ˈdjuːs] = of, according to diouzh re = in case of need, if necessary diouzhtu [djusˈtyː] = immediately

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *wert- (to turn) [source].

Conjugated forms in Welsh, Cornish and Breton

English words from the same PIE root include divert, invert, pervert, verse, verus, vortex and worth [source].

Proto-Celtic	kanta = together with kantyos = assembly, gathering
Gaulish	kantyos = assembly, gathering cantio* = assembly, gathering
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cét- = with céite = assembly, hill, mound
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cét- = with céite = hill, mound, open space, racecourse, meeting-place, assembly, square, market-place
Old Welsh	cant = by, at, near
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	can, cann, gen, gant, gan = with, together with genhyf = with me genhyt = with thee gant(h)aw = with him or it gent(h)i = with her or it genhym, genhyn, gennyn = with us genhwch, gennwch = with you gantu(d), gantunt, ganthud = with them gid, y gyd, kyd, gyt = with, together with
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gan [ɡan] = with, together with, alongside, beside, by (means of), through, because of, on account of, from , of gyda = with, together with, in addition to, in the company of, close by, next to, alongside, besides, for
Old Cornish	cant, cans = with, by
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gan, gans = with, by genef, gynef = with me genes, gynes = with thee ganso = with him or it gynsy = with her or it genen, gynen = with us geneuch = with you gansé = with them
Cornish (Kernewek)	gans = by, with gans ganow = by word of mouth gans golow, gans tan = alight, lit gans henna = thereby gans oll ow holon vy = sincerely yours gans pub bolonjedh da = with all good wishes
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gant = with, on the occasion of, so much
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gant [ˈɡãnt] = with, because of digant = with, of

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm (with) [source].

Conjugated forms in Welsh, Cornish and Breton

Proto-Celtic	*sekʷo- = besides, without
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sech [sʲex] = past, beyond, different from, more than sechum = different from me sechut = different from you (sg) sech(a)e, sechæ = different from him secce = different from her sechund = different from us seccu = different from them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sech = past, beyond, different from, more than, sechum, seacham , seocham = different from me sechut, seachad, seochad = different from you (sg) (se)chae, secha, sechai = different from him seochu, seacha = different from him secci, seicce, seice = different from her sechund, sechoind, seachoinn = different from us sechaib = different from you (pl) seccu, seocu, seoca = different from them
Irish (Gaeilge)	seach [ʃax] = by, past, beyond, other than, more than
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seach [ʃɛx] = compared with/to, in preference to, past, by, rather than seach-rathad = bypass, relief road, byway seach-thìm = overtime
Manx (Gaelg)	shagh [ʃax] = past shaghey = bye, bygone, past, delay, prolong, neglected shiaghey = past shagh-votal = proxy vote shagh-chlou = offprint shagh-teiyder = proxy
Proto-Brythonic	*heb = besides, without
Old Welsh	hep = without
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	heb, hep = without, past hebof, hebofy = without me hebot = without thee hebddaw = without him or it hebddi, hebdi, hebti = without her or it hebom, heibom = without us heboch = without you hebddudd = without them heb law, hebillaw, heb-law = besides, not counting eb vn ail = without peer, incomparable, unrivalled heb annot = without delay, immediately
Welsh (Cymraeg)	heb [hɛb/heːb] = without, minus, free from, void of, lacking, in the absence of, past, besides, in addition to, not including, excluding, apart from, heblaw = besides, not counting, over and above, in addition to, except, but, without, past heb ei ail, heb (un) ail = without peer, incomparable, unrivalled heb annod = without delay, immediately
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	heb, hep = without, destitute, void of hebford = without a road
Cornish (Kernewek)	heb = witout heb ahwer = readily heb bri = irrelevant heb danjer = safely heb difuna = dormant heb diwedh = endlessly, continuously, eternal
Old Breton	ep = without
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hep, hemp, eb = without hep quen, ep quen, hemb kin, epken = only hep muy, hep-mui = without further …, only hep muy quen, hep mui quen = only
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hep [hep] = without hepken = only, exclusiveness hepmuiken = without further …

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *sekʷ- (to follow) or from *sek- (to cut) [source].

Conjugated forms in Welsh, Cornish and Breton

English words from the same PIE root include sect, sign, signal, social, sue, suit, suite [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kina = on this side of
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cen [kʲen] = except, without, unbeknownst to, unknown to cene, cenae [ˈkʲene] = besides, in any case, already olchene, olchenae [olˈxʲene] = besides, the other(s), the rest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cen, cin, can, gen, gin, gan = on this side of, apart from, besides, except, without, -less
Irish (Gaeilge)	gan [ɡən̪ˠ/ɡan̪ˠ] = without, not gan amhras = undoubtedly gan fáth gan ábhar = for no reason whatever gan fhios = unknown, secretly gan on = faultless, unblemished
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gun [ɡən̪ˠ] = without, not gun chiall = without sense, senseless, insane gun fhiù = worthless, trashy, trivial gun iarraidh = unwanted, unbidden, unsought gun mhaille = forthwith gun sgot = clueless
Manx (Gaelg)	gyn = ex, un-, devoid, without gyn baare = pointless gyn bun = baseless, bogus, unfounded gyn currym = carefree, unencumbered gyn ennym = anonymous, nameless, unnamed gyn feill = vegetarian
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quen, quin, gen, ken = no more, other
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ken [ˈkɛnː] = other, only, no more

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱe (this, here) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Boats and Ships

31st August 202313th July 2024 By Simon

Words for boat, ship and related vessels in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*longā- = boat, vessel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	long [l͈oŋɡ] = boat, ship longfort = camp, encampment, stronghold
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	long, longa = boat, ship, vessel, long-ship, galley; vessel, container; house; bed longphort, lonngport = camp, encampment, temporary stronghold, mansion, princely dwelling; stronghold, fortress
Irish (Gaeilge)	long [l̪ˠɔŋ] = ship, vessel, container, house longbhá = shipwreck longbhac = embargo (on ships), naval blockade longbhoth = (navel) dock longbhriste = shipwrecked longcheárta, longchlós = shipyard longfort = camp, stronghold, fortified residence longlann = dockyard longmhar = abounding in ships longtheach = boat-house longthógáil = shipbuilding
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	long [l̪ˠɔuŋg] = ship longas = shipping, shipment longart = seaport long-adhair = airship long-bhriste = shipwreck long-chasgadh = embargo long-fhada = galley (ship) long-fhànais = spaceship long-lann = dockyard long-phort = seaport long-thogail = shipbuilding
Manx (Gaelg)	lhong [loŋ] = ship, vessel lhong aer = airship lhong-chaardee = boatyard, shipyard lhong chrowal = hovercraft lhong liauyr = longship lhong-phurt = basin, seaport lhong spoar = spaceship lhong spooillee = pirate ship lhuingys = fleet, shipping
Proto-Brythonic	*llong = ship, vessel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	loggou, log, llogeu, llong = ship, boat llongi = to embark, ship llongeidiev, llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llog porth, llogborth, llong-borth = seaport, haven, harbour long-dorr = shipwreck longhawl, llonghavl. llongawl = nautical, maritime, naval llongỼyr, llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llong [ɬɔŋ] = ship, boat; the Great Bear (Ursa Major) llongaf, llongi = to embark, ship llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llongborth = seaport, harbour, dock, quay llongdor = shipwreck llongol = nautical, maritime, naval llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner llong awyr = airship, aeroplane llong y diffeithwch, llong dir = ship of the desert, camel llong ofod = spaceship, spacecraft llong hofran = hovercraft llong danfor(ol) = submarine
Old Breton	locou = ship, boat

Etymology: possibly from the Latin (navis) longa ([long] boat), or from an unknown source [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nāwā- = boat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nau, nó = boat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nó, noe = boat (generally a small one, propelled by oars)
Irish (Gaeilge)	nae [n̪ˠeː] = boat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	noe = large vase, bowl
Welsh (Cymraeg)	noe = (wooden) vessel used in making butter, kneading dough, etc. shallow dish, bowl, pan, basin, laver, wooden trough noeaid = dishful
Cornish (Kernewek)	new = sink, trough, washbasin new doos = trough new-droghya = sheep dip
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	néau, néff, neo, nev = trough, bucket néay-doas, neo-doaz, nev-doaz = kneading-trough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nev = trough, bucket

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *néh₂us (boat), from *(s)neh₂- (to swim) [Source]. Words from the same roots include navy, navigate, and nautical in English [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelic)	bát = boat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bát, bád = boat
Irish (Gaeilge)	bád [bˠɑːd̪ˠ/bˠaːd̪ˠ] = boat bádóireacht = (act of) boating bád iascaigh = fishing boat bád seoil = sailing boat bád tarrthála = lifeboat
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàta [baːhdə] = boat, craft bàtaireachd = boating bàta-aigeil = submarine bàta-asieig = ferry boat bàta-falbhain = hovercraft bàta-iasgaich = fishing boat bàta-sàbhalaidh = lifeboat bàta-siùil = sailing boat
Manx (Gaelg)	baatey [ˈbɛːðə] = boat, even keel baateyrys = boating baatey assaig = ferry boat baatey bieauid = speedboat baatey eeastee = fishing boat baatey etlagh = seaplane baatey sauaillagh = lifeboat baatey
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bat, bad = boat badwr = boatman, waterman, ferryman
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bad = boat, barge, (small) ship badaid = boatful badlong = ketch, pinnace badwr = boatman, waterman, ferryman bad acbub = lifeboat bad pysgota = fishing boat

Etymology: from Old English bāt (boat) or from Old Norse bátr (boat), both of which come from Proto-Germanic *baitaz (boat, ship), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeyd- (to break, split) [Source].

The English word boat comes from the same roots, as do words for boat in many other languages [Source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scaf, scaffu, scafa = ship
Irish (Gaeilge)	scafa [sˠkɑfˠə] = ship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgoth [sgɔh] = skiff sgothag = little skiff, small yacht, cutter sgiof [sgʲif] = skiff (boat) sgib [sgʲib] = small ship (archaic)
Manx (Gaelg)	skiff = skiff
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	esgraff, yscraff, ysgraff = boat, barge, ferry
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgraff, sgraff = boat, barge, skiff, ferry, ship, raft ysgraffbont = pontoon ysgraffwr, ysgraffydd = ferryman, boatman, bargee
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scath = boat scath hîr = long boat
Cornish (Kernewek)	skath = boat skathik = dinghy skath hir = barge skath kloos = raft skath tan = motor-boat skath sawya = lifeboat skath-wolya = sailing boat
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scaph, scaff, sqaff, skaf = skiff skavat, skafad = contents of a skiff
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skaf = skiff, landing net

Etymology: possibly from Latin scapha (a light boat, skiff), from Ancient Greek σκάφη (skáphē – light boat, skiff), from σκᾰ́πτω (skáptō – to dig, delve); or from Old Norse skúta (small craft, cutter) [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*lestrom = vessel, pot
Old Irish (Goídelic)	lestar = vessel, container, beehive
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lestar = vessel, container, beehive, ship, boat lestarach = frequented by ships
Irish (Gaeilge)	leastar [ˈl̠ʲasˠt̪ˠəɾˠ] = vessel, container (for liquids), cask, firkin, (wash) tub, punt (boat), tub; squat, dumpy person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leastar = small boat, cup, vessel, furniture of a house
Proto-Brythonic	*llestr = vessel, container
Old Welsh	lestir = vessel, container
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llestri, llestyr = vessel, container llestreit, llestraid, llestred = vesselful, caskful, tubful, bushel llestryn, llestrun = small vessel, small barrel, boat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llestr [ɬɛstr/ˈɬɛstɛr] = vessel, bushel, ship, boat, beehive, womb, uterus llestraid = vesselful, caskful, tubful, bushel llestrwr = maker of vessels, potter llestryn = small vessel, small barrel, boat, human body
Old Cornish	lester = vessel, container
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lester = vessel, ship golowlester = a light-vessel, a lamp
Cornish (Kernewek)	lester = dish, ship, utensil vessel lester eth = steam boat lester-bargesi = hovercraft lester=gwari = yacht lester-sedhi = submarine annedh lester = houseboat lestrier = (kitchen) dresser lestriva = dockyard lestryn = container
Old Breton	lestr = ship, vessel, container
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lestr = ship, vessel, container lestr-dre-dan = steamship lestr-kroazer, lestr-reder = cruiser
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lestr [ˈlɛstʁ] = vessel, container, ship lestr-spluj[lɛs.ˈplyːʃ] = submarine aerlestr [ˈɛʁlestʁ] = aircraft lestrañ [ˈlɛstrã] = to board, load (a vehicle) dilestrañ [diˈlɛsːtrã] = to disemark

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ- (to fold, weave). The Goidelic words were possibly borrowed from Proto-Brythonic [Source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cwch, cŵch = boat, beehive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwch [kʊχ] = boat, beehive
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coc = boat
Cornish (Kernewek)	kok = fishing boat
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	couc’h = cover of a beehive, hull (of a boat)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kouc’h = cover of a beehive, hull (of a boat) kouc’hañ = to cover (a beehive)

Etymology: possibly cognate with the English word cog (a clinker-built, flat-bottomed, square-rigged mediaeval ship of burden, or war with a round, bulky hull and a single mast; a small fishing boat), which comes from Middle Dutch cogghe (clinker-built, flat-bottomed sailing cargo ship of the Middle Ages), from Proto-Germanic *kuggō, from PIE *gugā (hump, ball) [Source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Near and Close

9th August 20239th August 2023 By Simon

Words for near, close and and and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	onkus = at onkus-tus = near, close, and
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ocus [ˈoɡus] = near, close, nearness, proximity, and
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ocus, acus = and, near, nearness, proximity com(ḟ)ocus, comacus = near, proximate, neighbouring; equidistant, proximity; relationship focus = near, close bean fagas, bean ḟogas = kinswoman
Irish (Gaeilge)	agus (⁊) [ˈɑɡəsˠ/ˈaɡəsˠ] = and, while, although, as agusóir = halting, inarticulate, speaker aguisín = addition, addendum fogas [ˈfˠʌɡəsˠ] = nearness, closeness, near, close fogasghaol = near relationship, near relative foisceacht = nearness, proximity bráthair fogas = near kinsman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	agus (⁊) [agəs] = and, plus, as, while, although agusan = Tironian/Gaelic ampersand (⁊) fagas [fagəs] = close, near fagasg [fagəsg] = proximity, nearness fagasachd [fagəsəxg] = adjacency, nearness, proximity fagasach [fagəsəx] = adjacent faisg [faʃgʲ] = close, near faisgead [faʃgʲəd] = degree of nearness/proximity
Manx (Gaelg)	as = and, as faggys = almost, close, contiguous, handy, near, nearby, neighbouring faggys-yalloo = closeup faggysaght = adjacency, nearness
Old Welsh	ha, hac, hay, ac = and
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	a(c)= and agos = near, close agoseieit = close relations or friends
Welsh (Cymraeg)	a(c) [a(k), a(ɡ)] = and agos [ˈaɡɔs / ˈa(ː)ɡɔs] = near, close, almost, nearly, on the verge of, about to agosâd = a drawing near, approach agosaf, agosi = to draw near, approach agosaol = approaching agoseiaid = close relations or friends agosiad = close relation or friend agosrwydd = closeness, nearness, proximity agoster = closeness, nearness, proximity
Old Cornish	ha = and ogos = near, close
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	ha(g), a = and ogas, oges, ogos, agos = near, neighbouring
Cornish (Kernewek)	ha(g) [ha(ɡ)] = and, plus, while hag erel (h.e.) = etc. hag oll = moreover ogas = adjoinging, close, near, almost, nearly, vicinity ogas ha = approximately ogas lowr = approximate yn ogas, en ogas = closely, nearby ogasti, ogatti = almost, nearly
Old Breton	a, ha, hac = and ocos = near, close
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ha, hag, ham, haz = and hag all, ha a, hag e-se = etc. hogos, hegos, ogos, egos = almost, barely, close, near hogoster, hogosder = proximity hogozik, hogosicq, hogosic = almost, close, near
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ha(g) = and hag all (h.a.) = etc. hogos = near, close, almost hogosder = proximity

Etymology: not known [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Blindness

3rd August 20233rd August 2023 By Simon

Words for blind, one-eyed and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*dallos = blind
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dall = blind
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dall, dáll, = blind, dark, gloomy, daillín = blind man dalla(id) = to blind, deprive of sight, darken, obscure dallóc = a little blind animal, mole, leech
Irish (Gaeilge)	dall [d̪ˠaul̪ˠ/d̪ˠɑːl̪ˠ/d̪ˠɑl̪ˠ] = blind person, dull, uninformed person, dimness, gloom, obscurity, to blind, dazzle, daze, stupefy dallacán = purblind person, dim-witted person, fool, mask dallacántacht = purblindness, dim-wittedness dallachar = dazzle dalladh = blinding, dazzlement, plenty, lashings dallaigeanta = dull-witted dallamlán = stupid fool, dolt
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dall [daul̪ˠ] = blind, obscure, blind person dallaran = blind person dalladh [dal̪ˠəɣ] = blinding, misleading dall-bhrat = blindfold dallanach = dark, gloomy, inebriated dallta = blinded, deceived, mislead
Manx (Gaelg)	doal = blind, sightless, unseeing dallaghey = to befog, blind, daze, dazzle, glare doallaghey, doalley, doallee = blind, blinding
Proto-Brythonic	*dall [ˈdal͈] = blind
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dall, dâll = blind, unseeing, dark, random dallaf = to blind, dazzle, deceive, darken dallineb, dallinep = blindness, folly, recklessness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dall [da(ː)ɬ] = blind, unseeing, dark, random, purblind, ignorant, rash, thoughtless, mistaken, blind person dallaf, dallu = to blind, dazzle, deceive, darken dallaidd = blindness, purblind dallan = blind person dalledig = blinded, darkened dallineb = blindness, folly, recklessness
Old Cornish	dal = blind
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dall = blind dalla = to (make) blind
Cornish (Kernewek)	dall = blind dalla = to blind dallhe = to blind, dazzle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dall, dal = blind, blunt, blinkered dallaff, dallañ, dalliñ = to gouge out sb’s eyes, to blind, to fill a hole, to blunt, crumble dallente, dallentez, dallezh = blindness dallet = blinded
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dall [ˈdalː] = blind, blunt, blinkered, dead end dallentez, dallezh = blindness

Etymology: from PIE *dʰwl̥no-, from *dʰwolno (to dim, make obscure) [source].

Words from the same roots include dull and dwell in English, toll (great, nice, wonderful) in German, dol (crazy, silly, mad, mindless, irate) in Dutch, and dulls (crazy, mad) in Latvian.

Proto-Celtic	kaikos/kayko- = one-eyed, blind
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáech [kaːi̯x] = blind in one eye, empty cáechaid = to blind cáechán = one-eyed person, blind creature
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cáech = blind in one eye, empty cáechaid = to blind cáechán = one-eyed person, dimsighted creature cáiche = state of being one-eyed, blind in one eye cáichén = an ignorant person
Irish (Gaeilge)	caoch [keːx/kiːx] = blind, purblind person / creature, empty, closed up; to blind, daze, dazzle, close, become blocked, wink caochadh = to wink, close caochadóir = purblind creature caochaíl = purblindness, blockage caochán = purblind creature, mole caochóg = purblind person, cubby-hole
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caoch [kɯːx] = empty, hollow, blind (creature) caochag = empty / hollow object, dummy caochadh [kɯːxəɣ] = blinking, shutting one eye, winking, peeping, ogling bealach-caoch = cul-de-sac
Manx (Gaelg)	kyagh = weak-eyed kyaght = blindness kyragh = blind bollagh kyagh = cul-de-sac
Proto-Brythonic	*koɨg = vain, empty, one-eyed, blind (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coeg, coec, koeg = vain, empty, false, deceitful; blind, one-eyed koegi to deride, mock, deteriorate; become blind koec ddall, koegddall = purblind, half-blind, shortsighted, one-eyed, squinting
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coeg [koːɨ̯ɡ/kɔi̯ɡ] = vain, empty, false, deceitful, mean, evil, good-for-nothing, arrogant, scornful, sarcastic; blind, one-eyed, squinting coegaf, coegi = to deride, mock, lampoon, use sarcasm; to be(come) worthless, deteriorate; to become blind, have defective eyesight, darken coegaidd = vain, empty, haughty, conceited, saucy coegathrawgar = pedantic coegathro = pedant coegbeth = worthless thing, triviality, trifle, bauble coegddall = purblind, half-blind, shortsighted, one-eyed, squinting
Old Cornish	cuic = one-eyed, blind
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cuic = blind in one eye
Cornish (Kernewek)	koog = vain, worthless, barren, infertile

Etymology: from PIE *kéh₂ikos (one-eyed, blind) [source].

Words from the same roots include caecus (blind) and caecum (uncertainity, obscurity) in Latin, cécité (blindness) in French, ciego (blind, blind person, very drunk, caecum) in Spanish, and caecum (a part of the intestine) in English [source].

Incidentally, purblind means partially blind, dim-sighted, dim-witted, unintelligent, and used to mean blind or having one eye [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Beaks and Snouts

22nd July 202325th May 2024 By Simon

Words for beak, snout and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*gobbos = muzzle, snout, beak
Gaulish	*gobbos [ˈɡob.bos] = mouth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gop = beak, snout, muzzle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gop, guib, guip = muzzle, snout, beak, point/head of a spear, thin-mouthed, sharp-pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	gob [ɡɔbˠ/ɡɞbˠ/ɡʌbˠ] = beak, bill, tip, point, projection gobach = beaked, long-billed, sharp (expression), pointed, lipped (jug) gobachán = sharp-featured person, beak-nosed person, sharp-tongued person, inquisitive/interfering person, chatterer, gossip gobadh = protrusion, shooting, springing, sprouting gobaí = bird with a long beak, person with pointed features gobaireacht = picking, pecking, chattering, chatter, gossip gobán = (small) tip, point, gag, dummy goblach = beakful, mouthful, morsel, lump, chunk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gob [gob] = beak, bill, gob, pointed/sharp end, corner, spit (of land), point (of a fishing hook) gobachadh = pecking, rising (wind), poking through gobad [gobag] = talkative female, little bill, cabin hook goban = small mouth, small beak gobaire = chatterbox, chattterer, tell-tale gobach [gobəx] = beaked, snouty, cheeky, chatty
Manx (Gaelg)	gob = apex, headland, hook, jet, jut, nose(piece), point, prominence, promontory, beak, nib, spout, mouth, muzzle, bow (of ship) gobbagh = beaked, billed, nibbed, prominent, salient gob-rollian = talkative person

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵebʰ- (jaw, mouth). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include gober (to swallow hole) and gobelet (goblet, cup, beaker) in French, and gob (a slang word for mouth) and goblet in English, [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bekkos = beak, snout
Gaulish	*bekkos = beak, snout
Proto-Brythonic	*bek = beak, snout
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	becq, beeg, bêg, beg = mouth, beak, snout, point, cape, summit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	beg = beak, mouth, point, mouthpiece, embouchure beg-douar = point beg-hir = dolphin

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *bak- (peg, club) [source].

Words from the same roots, via the Gaulish *bekkos and the Latin beccus (beak, bill), include bec (beak, bill, mouth) in French, beco (beak, mouthpiece, burner) in Italian, bico (beak, bill, snout, rostrum) in Portuguese, pico (beak, sharp point, pickaxe, peak, spout) in Portuguese, bek (beak, snout, mouth) in Dutch, and beak in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	gulbā, gulbīnos = beak, bill
Gaulish	*gulbiā = beak, bill
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gulban, gulpan = bird’s beak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gulba = beak, mouth, jaw gulban = beak, sting gulbanda = beaked, piercing gulbnech = beaked, sharp-beaked gulbnén = small beak gulbnide = biting gulbniugad nibbing, biting
Irish (Gaeilge)	gulba = beak, bill, tip, point, projection guilbneach = (sharp-)beaked, curlew guilbnéan = little beak guilbnigh = to peck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gulb [gul̪ˠub] = beak, nose gulban [gul̪ˠuban] = beak, nose guilbneach [gulubnəx] = curlew
Proto-Brythonic	*gulbino- = beak, snout
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gilb = sharp point, beak, bill, snout
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gelef, gylyf = sharp point, beak, bill, snout gilbin, gyluin, gylfin = bird’s beak, snout gylfinir, gelvinir, gylfinhir = curlew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gylf, glyfyf = sharp point, sharp-pointed instrument, knife, bird’s beak, bird’s bill, snout, nose, grimace gylfin = bird’s beak, bill, snout, sharp-pointed nose, mouth, lip gylfinaid = beakful, mouthful gylfinir = curlew gylfinog = beaked, rostrated, wild daffodil, narcissus
Old Cornish	geluin = beak, bill
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinac, gylvinac = curlew
Cornish (Kernewek)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinek = curlew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwlib, glawlib = curlew, whimbrel (?)

Etymology: probably of non-Proto-Indo-European origin. Words from the same root, via Gaulish *gulbiā and the Latin gulbia (piercer, chisel), gulbia (gouge) in Galician, gubia (gouge) in Spanish, gorbia (ferrule) in Italian, and gouge in English and French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Cornish

Pins & Needles

Betwixt and Between

Cauldrons and Kettles

Weak and Feeble

Facing Opposition

With and Without

Boats and Ships

Near and Close

Blindness

Beaks and Snouts