Trousers, Socks and Sites

24th November 20211st December 2021 By Simon

Words for trousers, socks, sites and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸlātrom = flat position
Old Irish (Goídelc)	láthar [ˈl͈aːθar] = arrangement, disposition láthraid [ˈl͈aːθrɨðʲ] = to arrange, to dispose
Irish (Gaeilge)	láthair [ˈl̪ˠɑːhəɾʲ/ˈl̪ˠæhəɾʲ] = place, spot, site, location; presence as láthair = absent faoi láthair = at present i láthair = present láithreach = ruined site, ruin, trace; imprint; present (tense) láithreacht = presence láithreán = piece of ground, place, site; ruined, vacated site; floor, space; set láithreog = small site; trace, mark; small well-built girl láithrigh = to present oneself, appear
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làthair [l̪ˠaː.ɪrʲ] = presence, venue an làthair = present, here, in attendance; extant; in existence neo-làthair = absent neo-làthaireachd = absence làthaireach = present làthaireachd = presence; attendance; atmosphere uile-làthaireachd = omnipresence
Manx (Gaelg)	laaragh = centric(al), stage, centre, venue, site emshir-laaragh = present tense neuaaragh, assaaragh = absent ooilley-laaragh = ubiquitous
Proto-Brythonic	*lọdr = leg covering
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llauder, llahudyr, llawdyr, llodr = trousers, breeches, hose
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawdr [ˈɬaːu̯dr] = trousers, breeches, hose llawdrog, llodrog = wearing breeches, bedraggled llawdrwisg = breeches llawdrwr, llodrydd, llodrwr = breeches-maker llaesu llawdr = to undo one’s trousers (to ease oneself)
Old Cornish	loder = sock
Cornish (Kernewek)	lodrik = sock
Middle Breton	louzr = sock
Breton (Brezhoneg)	loer = sock, (trouser) leg

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂- (flat) [source].

From the same PIE root we also get Celtic words for hand, from the Proto-Celtic *ɸlāmā (palm, hand) [source], which was borrowed from Old Irish into Old Norse and became lámur (flipper, paw, left hand) in Faroese [source].

Words for floor and ground in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE root, via the Proto-Celtic *ɸlārom (floor) [source].

English words from the same PIE root include floor, palm, piano, plain, plan and plane, and also Poland [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	bríste [ˈbʲɾʲiːʃtʲə] = trousers; breeching (of harness); roe (of pollock) brístín = panties, knickers fobhríste = underpants forbhríste = overalls
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	briogais [brʲigɪʃ] = trousers, breeches briogais-ghlùine = shorts, plus fours briogais-ghoirid, briogais-bheag = shorts briogais-shnàimh = swimming trunks
Manx (Gaelg)	breeçhyn = breeches breeçhyn glioonagh = knee breeches breeçhyn markee = riding breeches
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brits(h) = breeches britis pen-(g)lin = knee-breeches
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bragez = knickers, panties, breeches bragez vihan = underpants, briefs, pants, panties

Etymology: from the English breeches, from the Middle English brech(e), brek (breeches), from the Old English brēċ (underpants), from the Proto-Germanic *brōkiz, from *brōks (leggings, pants, trousers; rear end, rump) the Proto-Indo-European *bʰreg- (to break, crack, split) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	triubhas = closs-fitting shorts
Irish (Gaeilge)	triús = (pair of) trousers, trews
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	triubhas [tru.əs] = trousers, trews
Manx (Gaelg)	troosyn = slacks, pants, trews, tights, trouser, knickers troosyn çhionn = pantaloons troosyn giarey = short trousers troosyn markee = jodhpurs
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trywsus, trywser, trowsus [ˈtrou̯sɨ̞s/ˈtrou̯sɪs] = trousers, breeches, knickers, panties trywsus bach = shorts, short trouserse, knickerbockers
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bragez = knickers, panties, breeches bragez vihan = underpants, briefs, pants, panties bragoù = trousers

Etymology (Welsh): from the English trousers, from the Middle Irish triubhas (trousers, trews) of uncertain origin [source]. The English word trews (trousers, especially if close fitting and tartan) was borrowed from Scottish Gaelic [source].

Cornish (Kernewek)	lavrek = trousers lavrek byghan = briefs, underpants lavrek jin = jeans lavrek kott = short
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lavreg = trousers

Etymology unknown

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Bark and Beehives

17th November 202122nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for bark, beehives and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ruskos = bark, beehive
Gaulish	rusca / ruskā = bark, beehive
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rúsc [ruːsk] = (tree) bark, basket, covering
Irish (Gaeilge)	rúsc [ɾˠuːsˠk] = (tree) bark, vessel made of bark rúscach = bark-like; rough, wrinkled (skin) rúscán = strip of bark, vessel made of bark, kind of seaweed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rùsg [r̪ˠuːsg] = (tree) bark, peel, rind, husk, crust, fleece rùsg-caorach = sheep’s fleece rùsg-abhaill = apple peel rùsg na Talmhainn = crust of the Earth rùsgan [r̪ˠuːsgan] = thin (tree) bark, thin peel/rind/husk, thin crust, small fleece, bark boat rùsgach = fleecy
Manx (Gaelg)	roost [ruːst] = peel, bark, rind roostey = strip, peel, hull, rob, bare, rind, debunk, rifle, unbark, deprive, peeling, exposure
Proto-Brythonic	*rrisk = bark
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	risgl, risg, rhisg, risc = bark
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhisg(l) [ˈr̥ɪsɡ(l)/ˈr̥ɪsɡɪ(l)] = (piece of) bark, rind, peel (of fruit) husk (of grain) rhisg(l)ach = pieces of bark rhisgen = (bark) dish or pan rhisglen = (piece of) bark, rind; hackle, flax comb rhisgl(i)af, rhisgaf, rhisgl(i)o, rhisgo = to bark, decorticate, peel (off), develop bark (on), encrust rhisg(l)aidd = having bark or rind, corticate(d), covered with bark
Old Cornish	rusc = bark
Middle Cornish	risc = bark
Cornish (Kernewek)	rusken = bark, peel ruskek = rough-barked
Middle Breton	rusquenn = beehive
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rusk = bark, peel, zest ruskek = rough, rugged, coarse ruskenn = (bee)hive, apiary ruskennad = beehive ruskenner = beehive maker

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃rewk- (to dig up), possibly from *h₃er- (to move, stir) [source].

The French word ruche (beehive, ruffle, flounce) and the Catalan word rusc (beehive) come from the Gaulish root rusca, via the Late Latin rusca (bark), and the English word ruche (pleated fabric, ruff), and the German word Rüsche (ruffle, ruche) were borrowed from French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Calling Words

9th November 202113th September 2024 By Simon

Words for word, call, cry and related things in Celtic languages.

words is various languages
Word cloud created with WordItOut

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	gāri = shout, call garyeti = to cry, shout gar(r)man- = cry, shout garyo- = word, command *garyos = call, cry
Gaulish	Garomaros / Garo-marus = personal name* adgarion = accuser (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons gairid [ˈɡarʲiðʲ] = to call, cry out, summon adgair [aðˈɡarʲ] = to summon congair [konˈɡarʲ] = to call, summon; invite dogair = to call
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons, cry, name, title, calling, employment, profession gairid = to call
Irish (Gaeilge)	gáir [ɡɑːɾʲ/ɡæːɾʲ] = cry, shout; report, fame, notoriety; to cry shout; laugh gáire = to laugh gáieach = laughing, smiling gáieachtach = noisy, vociferous; laughing, merry gairm [ˈɡaɾʲəmʲ/ˈɡɪɾʲəmʲ] = call, calling, acclaim (an tuiseal) gairmeach = vocative (case) gairmí = professional gairmiúil = vocational, professional slua gairm = slogan
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goir [gɤrʲ] = to call, cry, hoot, crow gàir [gaːrʲ] = to laugh, cry shout; outcry, shout, clamour gàir nan tonn = the roar of the waves gairm [ɡɤrʲɤm] = calling, crying, call, cry, announcing, declaring, convenning, call of the cockerel gairmeachadh = (act of) calling gairm-choileach = cock-crow gairm-chatha, gairm-chogaidh = war-cry sluagh-gairm = slogan tuiseal gairmeach = vocative case
Manx (Gaelg)	gerr = crow, shout gerr chah = war cry gerrym = crowing, outcry, shouting, whoop, whooping, (cock) crow), avocation, mission, profession, vocation gerrymagh = vocative gerrymoil = professional, vocational gerrym caggee = battle cry, call up, war cry gerrym chellee = cock crow sleih gerrym = slogan
Proto-Brythonic	*gėr [ɡe̝ːr] = word, speech
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	geir = word gaur, gawr = shout, cry garddu = groan garym, garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garymleis, garamleis = scream, clamour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gair [ɡai̯r] = word, speech, phrase, greeting, salutation, short exhortation, saying, proverb; verb; line of poetry, verse; report, rumour, information, letter, reputation, fame, praise geiriad = wording, phraseology, phrase geiriadaf, geiriadu = to word, phrase, express geiriadur = dictionary geiriaduraf, geiriaduro, geiriadura = to compile a dictionary geiriaduriaeth, geiriaduraeth = lexicography; vocabulary; grammar geiriadurwr = lexicographer, dictionary-maker geiriog = wordy, verbose garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garmlais = scream, clamour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	garm = a cry, shout, outcry garme = to shout, raise a shout, cry aloud, cry out
Cornish (Kernewek)	ger [ɡɛːr/ɡeːr] = word, saying, report gerdhal = dyslexic gerdhalni = dyslexia gerlyver = dictionary garm = to shout, whoop, yell garm argemynna = (advertising) slogan garm vresel = battle cry garm wormola = ovation garma = to cry out, whoop, yell garma yn lowen = to cheer
Old Breton	gerent = word. say
Middle Breton	guer = word garm = loud crying, yelping of a fox, war cry, cry garmadeg, garmadenn = clamour garmer = to cry, crying, brawler garmiñ = to cry, bellow, yelp
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ger [ɡeːr] = word geriadur = dictionary garm = cry, clamour, weeping

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵeh₂r- (to shout, call) [source]. The English words garrulous (excessively talkative), care and charm (sound of many voices (esp. of birds or children), a flock or group (esp. of finches)) come from the same PIE root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*woxtlom = dispute
Old Irish (Goídelc)	focul [ˈɸokul] = word
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	focal, foc(c)ull, focla, facul = word, vocable, phrase, estimate, award, judgement, promise
Irish (Gaeilge)	focal [ˈfˠɞkəl̪ˠ/ˈfˠɔkəlˠ] = word, phrase, remark, observation, saying, intelligence, message, promise, assurance focalhbhá = ellipsis … foclach = wordy, verbose foclachas = wordiness, verbiage focleolaí = philologist focleolaíoch = philological focleolaíocht = philology foclóir = dictionary, lexicon, vocabulary foclóireacht = lexicography foclóireolaíocht/strong> = lexicology foclóirí = lexicographer foclóirín = word-list, vocabulary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	facal [faxgəl̪] = word, comment, remark facal air an fhacal = word for word, literally, verbatim facal-faire = password facal-fhreumhail = etymology facal-mùirne = an endearment facal-toisich = introduction, preamble
Manx (Gaelg)	fockle [ˈfɔːɡəl] = word, charm, vocable focklagh = wordy, verbose, voluble, loquacious focklaghys = wordiness, verbiage fockleyr = dictionary, lexicon, thesaurus fockleyragh = lexicographic fockleyreen = vocabulary, wordbook fockleyreyder = lexicographer fockleyrys = lexicography
Proto-Brythonic	*gwoɨθl = dispute
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwaethyl = debate, dispute, contention, battle gwaethyl uann, gwaethyluann = loud in dispute, strenuous, striving gwaethyl gwyr = fighter, warrior
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwaethl = debate, dispute, contention, battle gwaethlfan = loud in dispute, strenuous, striving gwaethlwr = fighter, warrior gwaethl =

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *wókʷtlom, from *wekʷ- (to speak, sound out) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include advocate, epic, vocal, voice, vouch and , vowel in English; gewagen (to report, notify) in Dutch; voce (voice, call, word) in Italian; and उक्ति (ukti – saying, expression) in Hindi [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brētrā = word, battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bríathar [ˈbʲrʲiːa̯θər] = word, speech, utterance, verb, discourse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bríathar, briathor = word, utterance, talk, saying, speech, discourse, blessing, prayer, curse, promise, vow, pledge, verb bríathardae = wordy, verbal bríatharach = wordy, verbose bríathad = act of speaking bríatharaigid = to speak, pronounce
Irish (Gaeilge)	briathar [ˈbʲɾʲiəhəɾˠ / ˈbʲɾʲiːhəɾˠ] = word, verb briathartha = verbal briathrach = wordy, verbose briathrachas = wordiness, verbosity briathraíocht = diction
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	briathar [brʲiəhər] = word, term briathrail [brʲiəral] = loquacious, talkative, wordy, verbose briathrach [brʲiərəx] = talkative, loquacious, wordy, verbose
Manx (Gaelg)	breear = verb breearagh = verbal
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brwyder, brwydyr = battle brwydraw = to battle, fight, struggle, attack brwydrin = battle, conflict, fierce, pugnacious brwydyrdaer = resolute in battle, fighting with all one’s might brwytyrgar, brwydyrgar = delighting in fighting, eager for battle, bellicose brwydryar = tumult of battle, battle-cry brwydr-wr = fighter, warrior, combatant
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brwydr [ˈbrʊɨ̯dr / ˈbrʊi̯dr] = pitched battle, conflict, attack, campaign, struggle, bother, dispute, controversy, host, army brwydrin = battle, conflict, fierce, pugnacious brwydro = to battle, fight, struggle, attack brwydrwr = fighter, warrior, combatant

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerH- (to strike, pierce) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include boren (to) bore in English, (to drill) in Dutch, and foràre (to pierce, puncture) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*galw-o- = call
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gláed = shout, loud call gláedach = noisy, blustering, adjective gláedid = to cry out, name; verb gláedem = wolf glegrach = noisy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gláed, glaid = shout, loud call gláedach = calling, crying out, shouting, noisy, blustering gláedid = to cry out, to name glegrach = noisy, resounding, clamorous
Irish (Gaeilge)	glao [ɡl̪ˠeː/ɡlˠiː] = call, shout glaoch = calling, to call glaoigh = to call, cry out, shout glaoiteach = calling, vociferous glaomaire = loud-mouthing, vociferous, boastful person glaomaireacht = shouting, bragging, boastfulness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glaodh [gl̪ˠɯː] = cry, shout, yell, proclamation glaodhach [gl̪ˠɯː.əx] = crying, shouting, yelling glaodhaire [gl̪ˠɯː.ɪrʲə] = crier, loudspeaker glaodhar [gl̪ˠɯː.ər] = noise, rattling, clang, clash glaodhte = cried, shouted, yelled
Manx (Gaelg)	gyllagh = calling, crying gyllaghey = to cry, roar, shout
Proto-Brythonic	*gėlwɨd = to call
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	galw = a call, calling, shout, cry, invitation gelwi, galw, galwaf = to call, shout, bawl, summon, invite galwedic, galwedig = called, named, summoned galwedigaeth, galwedygaeth = call, a calling, vocation, profession, occupation
Welsh (Cymraeg)	galw [ˈɡalu / ˈɡaːlu] = a call, calling, shout, cry, invitation galwad = a calling, call, shout, sounding galwaf, galw, gelwain = to call, shout, bawl, summon, invite galwdig = called, named, summoned galwdigaeth = call, a calling, vocation, profession, occupation galwdigaethol = vocational, occupational, professional
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	galow = a call, invitation gelwel, gylwel = to call (for), invoke, name
Cornish (Kernewek)	galow = appeal, call, calling, invitation, vocation galwansek = vocational galwen = call galwesigeth = calling, profession, vocation galwesik = professional gelwel = to call, appeal, invite, summon
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	galu = appeal, summons
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	galu = appeal, summons gueruell, gueluer = to call, summon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	galv [ˈɡalw/ˈɡalɥ/ˈɡalf] = appeal, summons galvedigezh [ɡalveˈdiːɡɛs] = vocation, calling galvel, galven, galver, gervel = to call, summon

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gal(o)s- (voice, cry). The English word call comes from the same PIE root, as do galsas (sound, echo) in Lithuanian, голос [ˈɡoɫəs] (voice, word, remark, vote) in Russian, hlas (voice, vote) in Czech, and gallo (rooter, cockerel) in Spanish [Source].

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

Beaches and Shores

26th October 202126th October 2021 By Simon

Words for beaches, shores and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*trāgi- = beach, low tide
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tráig = strand, shore, ebb tide tráigid = to ebb
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tráigid = to ebb, recede
Irish (Gaeilge)	trá [t̪ˠɾˠɔːɟ/t̪ˠɾˠɔː/t̪ˠɾˠæːj] = beach, strand, seashore, low water leath-thrá = half-ebb (tide) trábhaile = town(land) along strand, seaside resort urtrá = foreshore
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tràigh [traːj] = (sandy) beach, strand, shore, (sandy) riverbank; low tide muir-tràigh = low tide, low-water tràigh-ghainmhich = sandy beach tràigh-mhaoraich = beach where shellfish can be found tràigh reothairt = spring (ebb) tide
Manx (Gaelg)	traie [trɛi/trai] = beach, shore, sandy seashore, strand, neap tide bayr traie = seafront er-traie = ashore traie gheinnee = sands, sandy shore traie laaee / laaghey = mud flat traie sluggee = quicksand
Proto-Brythonic	*tragio = ebb
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trei = ebb
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trai = ebb tide, a draining treio = to ebb, fall, drain, recede, retreat, diminish, reduce, ease, abate trai a llanw = ebb and flow ar drai = on the ebb distyll trai = the low(est) ebb, low-water mark
Cornish (Kernewek)	trig = low tide
Old Breton	tre = ebb (tide)
Middle Breton	tré, tref = ebb (tide)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tre, trec’h = ebb, backward surge

Etymology: possibly from the Latin tractus (stretch, tract of land) [source], from trahō (I drag, extract) from the Proto-Indo-European *tregʰ- (to drag, pull) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*traxtus = shore
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tracht = strand, shore
Irish (Gaeilge)	trácht = strand, beach (literary)
Proto-Brythonic	*traɨθ = beach, sand
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	traeth = beach
Welsh (Cymraeg)	traeth [traːɨ̯θ/trai̯θ/traːθ] = beach, (sea)shore, strand, coast, estuary, region, area traeth awyr = cirrocumulus, mackerel sky traeth byw / gwyllt / sugn = quicksand traethwr = seaman, sailor
Old Cornish	trait = beach
Middle Cornish	traith, treath = beach
Cornish (Kernewek)	treth = beach, sand, seashore trethek = sandy trethor = ferryman trethvor = Riviera, seaside
Middle Breton	traez = sand
Breton (Brezhoneg)	traezh [tʁɛs] = sand, beach traezhenn (sandy) beach traezherez = sandy, sandblaster, sand speader, gritter

Etymology: possibly from the Latin tractus (stretch, tract of land), either directly, or via the Proto-Celtic *traxtus (shore) [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Headlands and Promontories

22nd October 202122nd October 2021 By Simon

Words for headlands, promontories and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	ɸrossos/frosto- = height, elevated land, (wooded) hill
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ros = wood, height
Irish (Gaeilge)	ros [ɾˠɔsˠ] = wood, (wooded) headland, promontory rosach = wooded, promontoried
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ros [r̪ˠɔs] = peninsula, promontory, wood, forest rosach = pertaining to or abounding in peninsulas/promontories; wooded, forested ros-eilean = wooded/forested island frith-eilean rosach = wooded islet
Manx (Gaelg)	ros = wood ros-cheyll = spinney
Proto-Brythonic	*rros = moor, heath
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ros = moor, heath
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhos [r̥oːs] = (upland) moor, heath(land), down, meadow on high land, marshland, plain, wilderness, desert rhostir = moor(land), heath, marshland, plain, savannah, prairie, wilderness, desert
Cornish (Kernewek)	ros [ˈɹoːz] = hill-spur, moor, promontory
Middle Breton	ros = hillside, moor
Breton (Brezhoneg)	roz = hillside, moor

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *prosth₂os (protruding), from *pro- (before) and *steh₂- (to stand) [source].

These words appear mainly in place names, such as Ros Comáin (Roscommon) and An Ros Mór (Rossmore) in Ireland, Ros an Iar (Wester Ross) in Scotland, and Penrhos in Wales and England.

Proto-Celtic	*rendi- = point, peak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rind = point, peak
Irish (Gaeilge)	rinn = point, tip; top, apex; point of land, cape, promontory; pointed weapon, sharp-pointed instrument; last word of a verse-line rinneach = pointed, sharp, keen, biting rinnghéar = sharp-pointed rinnstua = pointed arch, ogive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rinn [r̪ˠiːn̪ʲ] = headland, promontory; acumen; apex, vortex, point rinneach = pointed; pertaining to a headland, promontory rinn snàthaid = point of a needle
Manx (Gaelg)	rinn = hook, rinn, ridge, foreland, point of a weapon rinn chorrylagh = coral reef rinn ughtee = bluff rinn yiarg = red-hot poker Yn Rinn Vooar = Great Barrier Reef
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rin, rynn = cape, promontory, hill, tump
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhyn = cape, promontory, hill, tump; rigid, stiff, unyielding, steadfast, brave; turbulent, rough, fierce, threatening, terrible; cold, chilly, shivery penrhyn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula, isthmus
Cornish (Kernewek)	rynn [ɹɪn] = cape, promontory, headland pennrynn, penryn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula, isthmus
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rinn = cape, promontory, headland

Etymology: unknown [source]

It is not known whether the Irish word rinn (star, planet, heavenly body) comes from root.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Islands

20th October 202120th October 2021 By Simon

Words for islands and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*enistī = island
Old Irish (Goídelc)	inis = island
Irish (Gaeilge)	inis [ˈɪnʲɪʃ] = island leithinis = peninsula Inse Ghall = the Hebrides
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	innis [ĩːʃ] = haugh; grazing (land); island (archaic) innis-bhó = cattle pasture Innis Fàil = Ireland (poetic) Innis nan Òg = Isle of the Young/Youth, Tìr nan Òg (in mythology) leth-innis = peninsula
Manx (Gaelg)	innis, innys, insh = island, iselet insheen = iselet innysagh = insular innysaght = insularity mooirinshyn = archipelago lieh-innys = peninsula
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨnɨs [ɨˈnˑɨs] = island
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ynys, enys, inys = island enys Auallach = the island of Avalon ynys y kedeirn / Enys Wen = Island of Britain
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ynys [ˈənɨ̞s/ˈənɪs] = island, isle; (the) Western Isles; kingdom, realm, land, province. region, area, river-meadow Ynys Afallach/Afallon = the island of Avalon Ynys y Cedryn / yr Ynys Wen = Island of Britain (“Island of the Mighty Ones” / “the White Island”) ynys draffig = traffic island ynysaf, ynysu = to isolate, insulate ynysedig = isolated, insulated ynysfor = archipelago ynysiad = isolation, insulation ynysig = islet, small island ynysog = insular, insulated, archipelagic ynyswr = islander
Cornish (Kernewek)	enys = island enesek = archipelago enesik = islet enesega = to insulate enyshe = to isolate enyshes = isolated
Old Breton	inis = island
Middle Breton	enes = island
Breton (Brezhoneg)	enez [ˈẽː.nes] = island enezig / enezennig = small island, islet; block (of buildings), patch (of ground) enezeg = archipelago enezennet = enclosed

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁eni-sth₂-ih₂ (“that which stands in (the water)”) from *(h₁)en- (in) and *steh₂- (stand) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ailén [ˈalʲeːn] = island
Irish (Gaeilge)	oileán [ˈɪnʲɪʃ] = island; isolated place oileán sráide/tráchta = street-refuge, traffic island An tOileán Úr = the New World, America oileánach = islander, abounding in islands, insular oileánachas = insularism, insularity oileánrach = group of islands, archipelago glasoileán = peninsula; island accessible by bridge or on foot at low tide
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eilean [elan] = isle, island eilean anabaich = promontory eilean-mara / eilean-tràghaidh = tidal island frith-eilean = small island, islet leth-eilean = peninsula ros-eilean = wooded/forested island Eilean a’ Cheò = The Isle of Skye (“Isle of Mist” – poetic) Eilean an Fhraoich = The Isle of Lewis (“Isle of Heather” poetic) Comhairle nan Eilean = The Council of the Isles, The Western Isles Council
Manx (Gaelg)	ellan = isle, island ellanagh = islander; insular ellanaght / ellanys = insularity ellaneen = islet ellanragh = archipelago Ellan Vannin = Isle of Man

Etymology: from the Old Irish ail (boulder, rock) and -én (diminutive suffix) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Lakes and Ponds

15th October 202115th October 2021 By Simon

Words for lakes, ponds and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*lindā = pool, lake
Gaulish	lindon = pool, lake; sea, ocean
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lind [l̠ʲiːn̠ʲ / l̠ʲɪn̠ʲ] = pool, pond, body of water, lake, sea
Irish (Gaeilge)	linn = pool, pond, body of water, lake, sea linn mhuilinn = mill-pond linn lachan = duck pond linneach = full of pools, watery linneolaíocht = limnology (freshwater science) linntreog = small pool, puddle, pot-hole
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	linne [l̪ʲin̪ʲə] deep pool; strait, sound, firth linne-thuathal, faochag-linne = whirlpool Linne Giùdain = Firth of Forth Linne Shalmhaigh = Solway Firth éisg-linn = fishpond
Manx (Gaelg)	lhingey = pool, pond, backwater lhingey chassee = small whirlpool lhingey eeast = fishpond
Proto-Brythonic	*llɨnn = lake, liquid
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llynn = lake, liquid
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyn [ɬɨ̞n/ɬɪn] = lake, pool, pond, puddle, moat llyn anoddun = bottomless pit, the deep llyn melin = mill pond llyn tro = whirlpool
Old Cornish	lin = lake
Cornish (Kernewek)	lynn, lydn = lake
Old Breton	lin = lake
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lenn = lake, basin, washhouse, fishpond, body of water

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *liH-nd-o-/*liH-nd-u [source].

These words appear in places names such as Lincoln in England, Dublin in Ireland, Lintgen in Luxembourg, Limmat – a river in Switzerland (originally Lindimacus), and possibly strong>Lindern in Germany.

Proto-Celtic	*loku = lake, pool
Old Irish (Goídelc)	loch [l͈ox] = lake, inlet of the sea
Irish (Gaeilge)	loch [l̪ˠɔx] = lake, pool, (body of) water, arm of the sea, lough, fiord lochach = having (many) lakes lochán = small lake, pond lochánach = having (many) small lakes loch-chuach = lake basin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	loch [l̪ˠɔx] = loch, lake lochach = pertaining to or abounding in lochs/lakes lochan = small lake, loch loch-mara = sea loch loch-tasgaidh = reservoir loch-uisge = freshwater loch/lake feur-lochan = small grassy loch (which tends to dry up)
Manx (Gaelg)	logh [laːx] = lake, lough, loch, arm of the sea loghan = small lake, pond, dam, tank, dock, pool loghanagh = full of lakes logh-hailjey = saltwater lake logh-ushtey = freshwater lake
Old Welsh	lichou = lake, pool
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	luch, lluch = lake, pool
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwch [ɬuːχ] = lake, pool, stagnant water, bog, swamp, marsh, mud, mire, grime, filth, dung
Cornish (Kernewek)	logh = inlet
Middle Breton	laguenn = flooded field
Breton (Brezhoneg)	loc’h = pond, lagoon, flooded meadow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *lókus (pond, pool), which is also the root of the Icelandic lögur (liquid, fluid, lake, sea), and words for lake in Romance languages, including lac in French, Occitan and Romanian, and lago in Galician, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Circles

29th September 202118th August 2023 By Simon

Words for circle, ring and related words in Celtic languages.

There are three words for circle in Proto-Celtic: *kerk-injo-, *kerkinn- and *kuro-. They don’t appear to have descendents in modern Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ānniyos = ring
Old Irish (Goídelc)	áinne = ring
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	áinne, ánne = ring, circuit, anusm posterior
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáinne [ˈfˠɑːɲə/ˈfˠæːn̠ʲə] = ring, circle, ringlet, curl, halo fáinneach = annular, ring-like, ringed, ringleted, whorled, adorned, beautiful fáinneadóir = ring-maker, dealer in rings fáinneáil = (act of) circling, fluttering fáinneán -= ampitheatre, circus fáinneog = ringlet, curl fáinneoir = person who rings animals fáinnigh = to ring, encircle, dawn fáinniú = encirclement, dawning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fàinne [faːn̪ʲə] = ring, ringlet, circle fàinneach [faːn̪ʲəx] = pertaining to or like a ring, ringed fàinneachadh [faːn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) curling, ringing fàinneag [faːn̪ʲag] = small ring, ringlet
Manx (Gaelg)	fainey = circle, puck, whorl, wreathe, ring fainnit = ringed

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁eh₂no- (ring). Cognate with the Latin ānus (ring, anus), and anus in English, French, Catalan and Romanian [source].

The English word phon(e)y (fraudulent, fake) possibly comes from the old slang word fawney (a gilt brass ring used by swindlers; a finger ring), from the Irish fáinne (ring) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	circul = circle, orbit, zone, hoop
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	circul = circle, orbit, zone, hoop
Irish (Gaeilge)	ciorcal [ˈkiɾˠkəlˠ] = circle ciorcalach = circular, cyclic ciorcalaigh = to encircle, circle ciorclán = circular (letter)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cearcall [kʲɛrxgl̪ˠ] = circle, cycle, ring (circus, etc), hoop cearclach = circular, cyclic(al)
Manx (Gaelg)	kiarkyl = ring, circle, rim, coterie kiarklagh = cyclic(al), rotund, circulatory kiarkylagh = circular daachiarkyl = bicycle
Proto-Brythonic	*kɨrxl [aˈbɛːr] = circle, ring
Old Welsh	circhl = circle, ring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kylch, kylc = circle, ring
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cylch [kɨ̞lχ/kɪlχ] = circle, ring, compass, scope, range, circumference, environs, surroundsing, precints, zone, belt, hoop, social circle, orbit, revolution, period, cycle, halo cylchai = halo cylchaidd = circular, round(ish) cylchig = circlet, small circle cylch(i)ol = circular, orbital, surrounding, itinerant, periodic, cyclic cylchu, cylch(i)af, cylcho = to hoop, rim (a wheel)
Cornish (Kernewek)	kelgh, kylgh = circle, hoop, round, ring kylghek = circular kylghigow = hoop-la kylghlavar = circumlocution kylghvusur = perimeter
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kelc’h = circle, disc, halo kelc’hdro = orbit kelc’hennva = ampitheatre kelc’hiad = circumference kelc’hiek = circular
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kelc’h = circle, halo kelc’hiañ = to surround, define, figure out kelc’hier = compass kelc’htreiñ = to orbit kelc’htro = orbit kelc’htroel = orbital

Etymology: from the Latin circulus (circle), from circus (circle, ring, racecourse, circus), from the Ancient Greek κίρκος (kírkos – circle, ring) from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (to bend, turn) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Victory

23rd September 20212nd March 2025 By Simon

Words for victory and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	boudi = profit, gain, victory boudīkos = victorious Boudīkā = a female given name*
Gaulish	boudi = profit, gain, victory Boudīkā = a female given name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	búaid [buːa̯ðʲ] = benefit, gift, profit, quality, triumph, victory, virtue búadach = gifted, triumphant, victorious
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	búaid, boid, boad = victory, triumph, virtue, attribute, gift, advantage, profit, benefit búadred = act of troubling, distrubing, confusing; trouble, disturbance, perturbation, confusion; act of stirring up, making turbid, turbidity
Irish (Gaeilge)	bua [bˠuə] = victory, truimph; gift, talent; virtue merit; special quality bua morálta = moral victory ollbhua [ˈɔl̪ˠˌwuə] = landslide victory buach = victorious buachan = gain, victory buaigh = to win, gain; defeat, overcome; succeed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	buaidh [buəj] = success, conquest, victory, consequence, effect, impact, influence, sway, mastery, predominance buaidh-làrach = decisive victory buaidh-chaithream = triumph, triumphant shout or song buaidheach = victorious, effective buadhach = victorious, effective, influential, talented, gifted buadhalach = victorious, triumphant diombuaidheach = unsuccessful, unlucky, defeatist Buaidheach = Boudica (female given name)
Manx (Gaelg)	booie = victorious, victory, triumph
Proto-Brythonic	bʉd = profit bʉðig = victorious Bʉðig = a female given name*
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ysbud, bud, but = profit, gain, booty butic, budic = victorious, truimphant, prosperous, successful, beneficial, generous, kind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	budd [bɨːð / biːð] = profit, gain, booty, riches, wealth, blessing, favour, advantage, emolument, benefit, usefulness buddfawr = bearing much booty or spoils, profitable, beneficial buddfawredd = generosity, gain buddgar = conferring blessings, beneficial, generous, covetous buddged = benefit, adventage, gain, gift, reward buddio = to profit, succeed, prosper, benefit buddig / buddug = victorious, truimphant, prosperous, successful, beneficial, generous, kind Buddug = Boudica (female given name) buddugaf, buddugo = to triumph, gain a victory, conquer buddugiol = victorious, conquering, triumphant, mighty, successful buddugioliaeth = victory, conquest, supremacy, precedence, glory, triumph, exulation, jubliation
Cornish (Kernewek)	budh = profit budhek = victorious
Old Breton	bud = profit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	buz [byː(s)] = profit Budic = Boudica (female given name)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰówdʰi (victory) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly include booty in English, butin (loot, booty) in French, botí (booty, spoils) in Catalan, bottino (booty, loot, cesspit, swag) in Italian, and Beute (booty, spoils, haul, prey, quarry) in German [source].

The name Boudica (the Queen of the Iceni who led an uprising against the Romans in 60/61 AD) comes from the Latin Boudicca / Boadicea, from the Gaulish *Boudīkā [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, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Battle

15th September 202112th June 2024 By Simon

Words for battle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	katus = battle Katutigernos = “battle lord/master” (male name) Katuwelnāmnos = “battle ruler” (male name*)
Gaulish	catu, katu = battle Katutigernos (male name)
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚐᚈᚈᚒ (cattu) = battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cath [kaθ] = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, warlike cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict (from com (with) and cath)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cath, = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, vehement cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = fighter, warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict, act of waging war
Irish (Gaeilge)	cath [kah] = battle, conflict, trial, battalion cathach = battling, warlike cathaí = battler, fighter cathaigh to battle, fight, tempt cogadh [ˈkɔɡə/ˈkʌɡu] = war, warfare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cath [kah] = battle, fight, contest, struggle, battalion, warfare cathach = warlike cath nan con = dogfight cath-thuagh = battle axe blàr-catha = battlefield gairm-chatha = warcry cogadh [kogəɣ] = war, fighting, warfare
Manx (Gaelg)	cah = military action battle crooseyr cah = battle-cruiser caggey [ˈkaːɣə] = war, fight, scrap, combat, campaign, clash, battle
Proto-Brythonic	kad = battle Kadüdɨɣern (male name) Kaduwallọn (male name*)
Old Welsh	Categern, Catigern (male name) Cadwallawn (male name) Categern, Catigern (male name)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kad, kat = battle Cattegirn (male name) Catgollaun, Catguallaun, Katwallaun (male name)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cad [kaːd] = battle, conflict, war, strife, struggle, trouble, army, host, throng, multitude, band cad ar faes = at loggerheads cadfan = battlefield Cadfan (male name) = 6th century Breton missionary to Wales [more details] Cadeyrn (male name) Cadwallon (male name)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cad, câs = battle, war cadlys = camp, intrenchment cadwur = warrior, soldier, champion
Cornish (Kernewek)	kas = armed conflict, battle, war kasor, kasores = fighter kasorek = militant Kaswallawn (male name)
Old Breton	Kaduuallon, Catuuallon (male name)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kad = combat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kad = battle Kadwallawn (male name)

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (fight), which is also the root of the German words Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to bicker, quarrel, struggle) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*agrom = slaughter, battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ár = slaugter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ár = slaugter, carnage, defeat, destruction
Irish (Gaeilge)	ár [ɑːɾˠ] = slaughter, havoc ármhá = battlefied, scene of slaughter ármhach = slaughter ármhar = slaugterous, destructive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àr [aːr] = battle, battlefield, slaughter, death àr-fhaich, àr-mhagh = battlefield àrmhach = destructive
Manx (Gaelg)	haar [ˈhɛːr] = slaughter, slaughtering
Proto-Brythonic	*aɨr [aɨ̯r] = battle, carnage
Old Welsh	hair = battle, fight, war
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aer = battle, fight, war aerbeir, aerbair = battle-lord, battle-leader aerbais = coat of mail aerbar = battle-spear, spear of slaughter aerbybyr = bright, fine, valiant, zealous, strong in battle aerdawelỽch, aerdawelwch = silence after battle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aer [aːɨ̯r / ai̯r] = battle, fight, war, skirmish, carnage, slaughter, army
Old Cornish	hair = slaughter, battle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ar, hâr, har = slaughter, battle
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	air = battle, combat, carnage, massacre airma = battlefield
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hair, aer, ár = battle, combat, carnage, massacre aerva, aerfa, ármag = battlefield
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aer [ɛːr] = battle, combat, carnage (archaic) aergi [ˈɛrɡi] = fighting dog, war dog, warrior (archaic) aerva [ˈɛr.va] = battlefield (archaic)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵros (field, pasturage), possibly from *h₂eǵ- (to drive). Words from the same roots include act, action, agent and agile in English [source].

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Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Proto-Brythonic

Trousers, Socks and Sites

Bark and Beehives

Calling Words

Beaches and Shores

Headlands and Promontories

Islands

Lakes and Ponds

Circles

Victory

Battle