Pursuing Followers

11th January 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dutiful Laws

30th December 202430th December 2024 By Simon

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

Scottish Parliament / Pàrlamaid na h-Alba / Scots Pairlament

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offices

13th December 202414th December 2024 By Simon

Words for office and related things in Celtic languages.

My home office

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	oific = office oificech = official, officer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	oific, oifig, oiffic = office, calling, employment, function, relgious service, ritual oificech, oifigeacha = official, functional, officer
Irish (Gaeilge)	oifig [ˈɛfʲɪɟ / ˈɛfʲɪc / ˈɔfʲɪc] = office, bureau oifigeach = officier, official oifigeacht = office, function (literary) oifigiúil [ɪfʲɪˈɟuːlʲ / ˈɛfʲɪɟuːlʲ] = official oifigiúilachas = officialism
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	oifig [ɔfɪgʲ] = office oifis [ɔfɪʃ] = office (place) oifigear [ɔfɪgʲər] = officer oifigeach [ɔfɪgʲəx] = official
Manx (Gaelg)	oik = office, bureau, post, board, bishopric offish = office offishear = officer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	offis = position, post, duty, duties, work, task, service offisial, officyall = official
Welsh (Cymraeg)	offis = office, position, post, duty, duties, work, task, service offiser = (army, police, etc) officer offis(i)al, offisel = official
Cornish (Kernewek)	offis = function, office, position officer = officer
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	officc = office officer = officer official = official
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ofis = office ofiser = officer ofisial = officical ofisalded = officiality ofisiel = official ofisin = to officiate, preside, pontificate

Etymology (Goidelic languages and Breton): from Latin officium (duty, service, office, obligation), from opificium, from Proto-Italic *opifakjom, from op(i)s (power, ability, resources), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃ep-(i)-/*h₃op-(i)- (force, ability), from *h₃ep- (to work, toil, make; ability, force). The Welsh and Cornish words come from the same roots via Middle English office (office, employment, task, chore, etc) and Old French office (office, service) [source].

Words from the same roots include copious, copy, cornucopia, manure, omnibus, omnipotent, opera, operate and opus in English, copia (to copy, print) in Italian, oficio (profession, occupation, [religious] office) in Spanish, and office (charge, task, mandate, department, religious service, liturgical office) in French [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	swyddfa = office, place of business swyddfaol = pertaining to, or characteristic of, an office
Cornish (Kernewek)	sodhva = bureau, office

Etymology: from swydd / sodh (job) and -fa / -va (place) [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	biwrô, biwro = bureau biwrocrasi, b(i)wrocratiaeth = bureaucracy biwrocrat = bureaucrat b(i)wrocrataidd, biwricratig = bureaucratic biwrocrateiddio = to bureaucratize
Cornish (Kernewek)	buro = bureau, office
Breton (Brezhoneg)	burev [ˈbyː.rɛw] = bureau, office burever = bureaucrat bureverezh = bureaucracy burevin = to register

Etymology: from French bureau (desk, office), from Old French burel (frieze [coarse woolen cloth]), from *bure, from Late Latin burra (wool, fluff, shaggy cloth, coarse fabric, from Latin burra (a small cow with a red mouth or muzzle, a shaggy garment), from burrus (red, reddish-brown), from Ancient Greek πυρρός (purrhós – flame colored), from πῦρ (pûr – fire) [source].

Original Pedigree

21st November 2024 By Simon

Words for origin, basis, nobility and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*bonusedom = lineage, pedigree, origin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bunad = basis, origin, stock
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bunad, bonadh, búnad = origin, basis, source, stock bunadach, bunadhach = belonging to the original stock bunadas, bunus = origin, source bunatta, bunata = original, basic, permanent
Irish (Gaeilge)	bunadh [ˈbˠʊn̪ˠə] = origin, stock, kind, native inhabitants, original, fundamental, basic, base bunaigh = to found, establish bunaíoch = primitive bunaíocht = establishment bunús = origin, basis, substance, essence, wealth, majority
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bunadh [bunəɣ] = origin, stock, rock, foundation
Manx (Gaelg)	bunneydagh = basic, elemental, fundamental, original, primitive, radical bunneydys = basis, foundation, groundwork, origin, root
Proto-Brythonic	*bonheð = ?
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	boned, bonhed = nobility, nobleness, noble, descent, lingeage, pedigree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	boned, bonhed = nobility, nobleness, noble, descent, lingeage, pedigree bon(h)edigeid, bonhedigeit = noble, aristocratic, honourable, gracious, kind, gentle, courteous, polite bonedigeidrwyd = nobility, nobleness, aristocracy, gentility, chivalry, courtesy bonhedyc, bonhedic, bonheddig = noble, aristocratic
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bonedd = nobility, nobleness, noble, descent, lineage, pedigree boneddigaidd = noble, aristocratic, honourable, gracious, kind, gentle, courteous, polite boneddigeiddrwydd = nobility, nobleness, aristocracy, gentility, chivalry, courtesy bonheddig = noble, aristocratic bonheddu = to ennoble, dignify bonheddes = lady, Lady bonheddwr = nobleman, gentleman, aristocrat

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *bonus (base) + *sedom (seat, sitting) – see also the posts Foundations and Peace and Fairies, and for other words related to nobles, princes, chiefs, etc, see the post Leader in Chief.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cepp = block, (tree) stump
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cepp, cip, cep = tree-stump, log, block, anvil-block genealogical stock, ancestor ceppach, cepach, cepaig = piece of ground where trees have been felled, slaughter ceppaid = to shape, form, fashion, confine, restrict ceppdae = inert
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceap [capˠ] = stock, block, base, (shoemaker’s) last, nave, hub, compact body, chief, protector, (flower) bed ceapadh = fashioning, composition, formation, appointment, assignation, conception ceapadóir = shaper, moulder, composer, inventor ceapadóireacht = composition ceapaire = shaped, moulded, object, shapely person, thing, sandwich
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceap [kʲɛhb] = block, (shoemaker’s) last, lump, cape, cap, turf, stocks, fret
Manx (Gaelg)	kiap = block, butt, log, pad, pillow, snag, stock, trunk
Proto-Brythonic	*kɨf = the most in chief
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	ciphillion = stock, trunk, box, ancestry, blockhead, dull-witted person
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyf(f), cyff = (tree) trunk, stock, stem, stump, log, trunk (of body), block, blockhead; box, coffer, chest; stocks, kinsfolk, lineage, ancestry, origin, race, source kyfyll, kiffil, cyffyll = stock, trunk, box, ancestry, blockhead, dull-witted person
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cyff [kɨːf/kiːf] = (tree) trunk, stock, stem, stump, log, trunk (of body), block, blockhead; box, coffer, chest; stock, kinsfolk, lineage, ancestry, origin, race, source cyffyll = stock, trunk, box, ancestry, blockhead, dull-witted person
Cornish (Kernewek)	kyf = log
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	cepp = stump, stock, log, trunk
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	queff = stump, stock, log, trunk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kef [kefː] = trunk, log, box kefiañ = to make branches, put the irons (on)

Etymology: from Latin cippus / cīpus (stake, post, gravestone, landmark), possibly from Proto-Italic *keipos, from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱéypos (pole, stick). Words from the same roots include ceppo (stump, log, block of wood), cipo (milestone) in Spanish, and Kipfl (croissant) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	akkā = ? akkiyā = proximity, lineage
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aicce = nearness, proximity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aicce, aicci = nearness, proximity, near, beside, fosterage
Irish (Gaeilge)	aice [ˈacɪ] = nearness, proximity in aice (na/le) = near aicearra = short-cut, abridgement aicerrach = short, near, pithy, succinct aicerracht = shortness, pithiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aice [açgʲə] = proximity
Manx (Gaelg)	faare = adjacent, presence, proximity, near, nigh
Proto-Brythonic	*ax = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ach = lineage, descent, pedigree, genealogy, ancestry, family origins achwet = lingeage, descent, pedigree, kindred, family
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ach [aːχ] = lineage, descent, pedigree, genealogy, ancestry, family origins achres(tr) = genealogical table, pedigree, lineage achwedd = lingeage, descent, pedigree, kindred, family achwr, achydd, achyddwr = genealogist, herald achwyddol = genealogical, heraldic achyddu = to genealogize achyddiaeth = genealogy, heraldry; lineage, pedigree
Old Cornish	ach = offspring, progeny
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ach = offspring, progeny, stock, kindred
Cornish (Kernewek)	agh [æːx] = offspring, race aghel = racial aghskrif = pedigree
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	acom = ?

Etymology: possibly from PIE *h₂ekkeh₂. Words from the same root include अक्का (akkā – mother) in Sanskrit, आक्का (ākkā – older sister, elderly woman) in Marathi and අක්‍කා (akkā – older sister) in Sinhalese [source 1, source 2].

In Cornish, origin, beginning, start, inception or opening = dalleth; noble = nobyl, pennsevik, ughelor or bryntin; lineage or race = linieth (Middle Cornish), and race or ethnicity = hil (Revived Cornish) – see the post about Seeds.

Counting Numbers

7th November 2024 By Simon

Words for number, to count and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*rīmā = number
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rím [r͈ʲiːβ̃] = counting, enumerating, number, telling, relating, metrics rímid [ˈr͈ʲiːβ̃ɨðʲ] = to count, reckon, estimate, impute, compose, recount, relate
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rím = counting, enumerating, number, telling, relating rímid, rímaid = to count, reckon, estimate, recount, relate, compose
Irish (Gaeilge)	ríomh [ɾˠiːvˠ/ɾˠiːw] = enumeration, calculation, computation, narration ríomhaire = counter, enumerator, calculator, computer ríomhaireacht = counting, enumeration, calculation, computation ríomhchláraitheoir = computer programmer ríomheolaíocht = computer science
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìomh† = reckoning, numbering, computation rìmh† = number, to reckon, compute
Proto-Brythonic	*rriβ̃ = number
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rif, yrif, rhif = sum, number, etc rhifo, riuaw, riuaỽ = to count rifed, riued, ryved = number, many, abundance
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhif [r̥iːv] = the sum, number, as many or numerous (as), a (great) many, crowd, host, multitude, large amount, worth, esteem, honour, praise, figure, digit, numeral, count, reckoning, measure rhifadwy = countable, numerable rhif(i)o = to count, number, amount to, enumerate, list, recount, enlist, muster rhifed = number, many, abundance
Cornish (Kernewek)	riv = number riva = to number riven = digit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	riñv = number

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂rey- (to count, reason, think) [source]. Words from the same root include arithmetic, rhyme, rite, ritual and ready in Englsh, reic (to sell in Irish, řádný (regular) in Czech, and rinda (row, line, queue) in Latvian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*adrīmā = counting, number, reckoning
Old Irish (Goídelc)	áirem = number, numeral, quantity. amount, sum, reckoning, repute, account
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	áirem, áram, arim, ārem = counting, reckoning, estimating, number, numeral, amount, sum comáirem, comairem, comairemh = reckoning, calculating, computation
Irish (Gaeilge)	áireamh = enumeration, census, arithmetric, number, portion comhair = to count, calculate comhaireamh = to count, calculation, reckoning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àireamh [aːrʲəv] = number, sum, tally, computation, counting, enumerating; count, enumerate àireamhach [aːrʲəvəx] = numeral, arithmetician àireamhachadh [aːrʲəvəxəɣ] = numbering, enumerating, enumeration, calculating, computing, calculation, computation àireamhail [aːrʲəvəxal] = arithmetical àireamhachas [aːrʲəvəxəs] = numeracy àireamhair [aːrʲəvɛrʲ] = calculator (tool), arithmetician
Manx (Gaelg)	earroo = number, sum, figure, census, statistics, tell co-earroo = calculation, computation, counting, telling, to compute, count earrooaghey = number(ing) co-earrooaghey = to calculate, calculating, numbering
Proto-Brythonic	*ėðriβ̃ = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eryryw, eiryf, eirif = number, amount, sum, account, reckoning
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eirif = number, amount, a large number, many, sum, account, reckoning
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	eirimotor = (?)

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *rīmā (number) – see above [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	uimir = number
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	(n)uimir = number
Irish (Gaeilge)	uimhir [ˈɪvʲəɾʲ / ˈɨ̞̃vʲəɾʲ] = number, count, aggregate uimhreoir = numerator uimhrigh = to number, figure uimhríocht = arithmetic uimhríochtúil = arithmetical uimhriú = numbering, numeration, figuring uimhriúil = numerical, numeral
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uimhir [ɯvɪrʲ] = quantity, amount, number, so/as much/many fuimhir [fɯvɪrʲ] = quantity, number uimhireach [ɯvɪrʲəx] = numerous uimhireach [ɯvɪrʲɪç] = arithmetician
Proto-Brythonic	*niβ̃er = number
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nimer = number
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	niuer, niver, nifer = number host, company, retinue, troop, crowd nifery = to number, enumerate, count niveredic = counted, numbered niferawg, niuerawc, nigerog, niverog = numerous, abundant, having hosts, troops, retinues, etc nifeiriawl, niferawl, niueiriawl = numerous, abundant, numerical kyfnifer, kyfniuer = as many, equal number, even number, a great many, large number, host
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nifer [ˈnɪvɛr] = number, host, company, retinue, troop, crowd niferu, nifeirio = to number, enumerate, count niferedig = counted, numbered niferadol = numerical, pertaining to a census nifer(i)og = numerous, abundant, having hosts, troops, retinues, etc nifer(i)ol = numerous, abundant, numerical cyfnifer = as many, equal number, even number, a great many, large number, host
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	never, niver = number nevera, nivera, nyfyrys = to number, count, reckon cyniver, cynyver, cenifer, cenyver, ceniver = so many, as many as, every, every one
Cornish (Kernewek)	niver = number nivera = to count, number niverek = numerical niverell = counter, counting device niveren = numeral niverenans, niverednans = numbering niveronieth = arithmetic niverus = numerous niveryans = census, count keniver = as many, everyone, so many
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nimer = number
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	niuer, nyuer = number niueraff = to enumerate, number
Breton (Brezhoneg)	niver [ˈniː.vɛr] = number niveradeg = census niveradur = ennumeration niverenn [ni.ˈveː.rɛn] = number niverennañ = to number niverer = numerator nivererezh = numbering niveridigezh = enumeration, census niveriñ [niˈveːrĩ] = to enumerate, number niveroniezh [ˌni.ve.rɔ̃.ˈniː.ɛs] = arithmetic niverus [ni.ˈveː.rus] = numerous

Etymology: from Latin numerus (number, collection, quantity, time, rhythm) [source], from Proto-Italic *nomezos, from PIE *nem- (to distribute give, take). Words from the same root economic, numb and number, numeral in English, nemen (to take, grasp, grab) in Dutch, nehmen (to take, hold, grasp), and número (number) in Spanish [source].

Grinding Mills

21st August 2024 By Simon

Words for grind, crush, mill and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*malati = to grind, crush
Old Irish (Goídelc)	meilid = to crush, grind, sharpen, eat con·meil = to grind together
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	melaid, meilid = to grind, crush, sharpen, use, consume (esp. food) con-meil, coimlid, cuimlid, comlaid = to rub, grind together, attach, consume, destroy
Irish (Gaeilge)	meil [mʲɛlʲ] = to grind, crush meilim = to grind meilt = grinding, crushing, consuming, spending, wasting, incessant talk meilteach = grinding, crushing, consuming meilteoir = grinder, crusher meilteoireacht = (act of) grinding, crushing meiltire = incessant talker, chatterer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meil [mel̪] = (to) grind, mill, pulverize, masticate meileach [meləx] = grinding, pertaining to or abounding in grinders/mills; finely ground flour meileadh [mɛl̪ʲɛvadʲ] = grinding, milling, pulverizing, masticating meilt [meldʲ] = grinding meilte [meldʲə] = ground, milled, pulverized, masticated meiltear, meileadair [meldʲər / melədɪrʲ] = grinder
Manx (Gaelg)	beihll = to grind, pulverize; pulverization beihlleyder = grinder, pulverizer beihllinder = grinder bleih = grind, grist; duffer, halfling, hobbledehoy, ninny, triffler bleihit = ground bleihder = grinder, molar
Proto-Brythonic	*malɨd = to grind, crush
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	malu, mâlu = to grind, crush, pulverise, break, shatter, smash
Welsh (Cymraeg)	malu [ˈma(ː)li] = to grind, crush, pulverise, break, shatter, smash, trample, chop, sharpen, destroy, utter, speak, recite (poetry) malu awyr = to talk idly, talk nonsense, blather (“to grind air”) malaid = finely ground, ground to a powder malurio = to break into fragments, shatter, smash, grind, crumble, reduce to dust, pulverise malwr [ˈmalʊr / ˈma(ː)lʊr] = grinder, mincer, molar, miller; speaker, utterer, babbler, chatterer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	melias = to reduce, power, grind
Cornish (Kernewek)	mala = to grind maler = grinder melyas = to grind
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	malaff = to grind
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	malaff = to grind
Breton (Brezhoneg)	malañ [ˈmɑːlã] = to grind, cruse, seize malad = ground things maladeg, maladur = grinding maler [ˈmɑːlɛr] = miller malerez [ma.leː.res] = grinder, vegetable mill

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ml̥h₂-é-ti, from *melh₂- (to crush, grind). Words from the same roots include maelstrom (a large and violent whirlpool) and meal (the coarse-ground edible part of various grains often used to feed animals) in English, moudre (to grind), meule (grindstone, millstone) and moulin (mill, windmill) in French, and moler (to grind, mill), and words for mill in Celtic languages – see below [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	muilend = mill muileóir = miller
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	muilend, muilund = mill muileóir, moilleóir = miller
Irish (Gaeilge)	muileann [ˈmˠɪlʲən̪ˠ] = mill, grinding apparatus, manufactory muileann uisce = watermill muileann gaoithe = windmill, pinwheel muileann iarainn = ironworks muileann sábhadóireachta = sawmill muileóir = miller, mill owner muileóireacht = (act of) milling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muileann [mul̪ʲən̪ˠ] = mill muileann-gaoithe = windmill muileann-sàbhaidh = sawmill muileann-uisge = watermill muilear [mul̪ʲər] = miller muilearachd [mul̪ʲərəxg] = milling, grinding
Manx (Gaelg)	mwyllin = mill, factory mwyllin geayee = windmill mwyllin saaual = sawmill mwyllin ushtey = watermill mwyllar = miller, mill owner mwyllaragh, mwyllarys = milling
Proto-Brythonic	*melɨn = mill
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	melyn, melin = mill melin wynt = windmill melina = to grind, mill melinyt, melinyd, melinid = miller, grinder
Welsh (Cymraeg)	melin [ˈmɛlɪn] = mill, factory melin wynt = windmill melin lif(anu) = sawmill melin ddŵr = watermill melina(f), melino = to grind, mill melinwr = miller, mill owner melinydd = miller, grinder, molar melinyddiaeth = the craft of milling
Old Cornish	melin = mill
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	melin, belin = mill
Cornish (Kernewek)	melin, belin = mill melin dhowr = watermill melin wyns = windmill meliner / melinores, belender = miller melinji = millhouse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	molin = mill
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	melin = mill
Breton (Brezhoneg)	milin, melin [ˈmiː.lĩn] = mill, factory milin-avel [mi.lĩ.ˈnɑː.vɛl] = windmill milin-dour, melin-dour [milĩnˈduːr] = watermill milinan, milinañ = to mill, rotate miliner, meilher = miller milinerezh = milling

Etymology: from Late Latin molinum (a mill), from molīnus (mill), molō (to grin or mill), from Proto-Italic *melō (to grind), from Proto-Indo-European *mélh₂-ti, from *melh₂- (to grind, crush) [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

Shells

29th July 20246th October 2024 By Simon

Words for shell and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	bláesc = shell, nutshell, eggshell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bláesc, blosc, plaesc = eggshell, nutshell, cataract (?)
Irish (Gaeilge)	blaosc / plaosc [bˠlˠiːsˠk / pˠl̪ˠeːsˠk] = shell (of eggg, but, crustacea) blaosc an chinn / an chloiginn = skull, cranium blaosc an aeir = the vault of heaven blaoscach = shelly, big-, empty-, headed blaoscán = eggshell, skull, cranium, drain, nip blaoscrúisc = scalp
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	plaosg [pl̪ˠɯːsg] = hull, husk, pod, peel, rind, (egg)shell, crust, skull; peeling, skinning, husking, shelling plaosgadh [pl̪ˠɯːsgəɣ] = peeling, skinning, husking, shelling plaosgach [pl̪ˠɯːsgəx] = shelled, husky, shelly
Manx (Gaelg)	bleayst = shell, hull, husk, shield, body, crust, gill cover, pod bleayst shligganagh = tortoise shell bleaystan(ey) = bomb, shell bleaystagh = detonating, explosive, husked, shelled bleaystaghey = to shell, unhusk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	plisc(yn), plisg(in) = shell(s), pod(s), husk(s), rind, skin(s) plisco = to shell, peel
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plisg(en/yn) [plɪsɡ] = shell(s), pod(s), husk(s), rind, skin(s), membrane; speech impediment, cataract, scab plisgaf, plisgo = to shell, husk, peel plisgynnog = having a shell, skin or husk
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pliscin = eggshell plisg = husk, shell, paring
Cornish (Kernewek)	plisk(en) = shell(s), husk(s)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	plusq(uenn) = peeling(s), skin(s), husk(s), shell(s), hull(s), eggshell(s) plusqad = peelings plusqua = to peel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	plusk(enn) = peeling(s), shaving(s), shell(s), pod(s), bark(s) pluskadur = peeling pluskan, pluskañ [ˈplyskã] = to peel pluskennek = to fluff

Etymology: possibly related to peluche (plush [toy], fluff) in French and plush in English, which come Vulgar from Latin *pilūc(i)cāre (to remove parts of sth), from Latin pilāre (to remove hair), from pilus (hair) the Proto-Indo-European *pilo- (hair) [source].

Other words from the same roots include pelo (hair) in Spanish, poil (hair) in French and pelare (to pluck, skin, shear, peel) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	sleg = shell (?) sleggio = shell (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	slice = shell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slice = shell slicén, sligen = shell
Irish (Gaeilge)	slige [ˈʃl̠ʲɪɟɪ] = shell, shard, melting pot sligeach = shells, place abounding in shells sliogán [ʃlʲəˈɡɑ̃ːn̪ˠ] = shell sliogán mara = scallop; seashell sliogánach = testacean, shelled, testaceous, abounding in shells, dappled, mottled
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	slige [ʃl̪ʲigʲə] = shell, hull (of a boat) sligean [ʃl̪ʲʲigʲan] = small shell, small hull, small drinking shell, small shard sligeach [ʃl̪ʲigʲəx] = carapace, casing, case, crustacean, having a shell sligeanach [ʃl̪ʲigʲanəx] = tortoise
Manx (Gaelg)	shlig = shell, scale, body shliggan = shell, bomb shligganaghey = testaceous, tortoise shligganaghey = bomb, bombard

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *slak- (to hit, strike, throw) [source]. The town and county of Sligo (Sligeach and Contae Shligigh in Irish), get their name from the Irish word sligeach [source]..

Proto-Celtic	*krok-enā = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cregyn, cragen, cregin, krogen = shell, framework, husk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cragen, crogen [ˈkraɡɛn / ˈkrɔɡɛn] = shell, framework, husk cragenbysg, crogenbysg = shellfish cragenfaen, crogenfaen = pearl cragennu = to form into a shell, become a shell cregynna [krɛˈɡəna] = to gather shells
Old Cornish	crogen = shell
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crogen, crogan = shell crogen an penn = skull
Cornish (Kernewek)	krogen = shell krogen benn/bedn = skull krogen brierin / Sen Jamys = scallop krogen benn/bedn = clam
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	creguin, croguen = shell croguennec = hooked
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kregen = shells krogenn [ˈkroː.ɡɛn] = shell, carapace kroegennan, kroegennañ = to shell kroegennek = hooked

Etymology: unknown. Related to cregen (clay vessel) and cragen (potsherd) in Welsh, and possibly conch in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mocol = cluster, husk, mesh, shell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mocol, mogal = mesh, network, web, globe, sphere, round mass, husk, shell, pid, troop, band
Irish (Gaeilge)	mogall [ˈmˠɔɡəl̪ˠ] = mesh, husk, shell, pod, compacy body, cluster of people mogallach = meshed, reticular, clustered mogallaigh = to (en)mesh, cluster mogallóir = mesh-rod (for measuring) mogallsúileach = goggle-eyed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mogal [mogəl̪ˠ] = husk, shell, skin, mesh
Manx (Gaelg)	moggyl = grid, mesh, network mogglagh = meshed, networklike eddyr-voggyl = internet
Proto-Brythonic	*magl = trap, snare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	magl, magyl = trap, snare maglyt, maglu, meglyt = to snare, net, enmesh
Welsh (Cymraeg)	magl [ˈmaɡal] = snare, noose, trap, gin, manacle, fetter; obstruction, obstacle, cataract maglu, maglo = to snare, net, enmesh magledig = ensnaring, entrapping, caught, ensnared, trapped
Old Cornish	maglen = trap, snare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	maglen = snare, halter, spring
Cornish (Kernewek)	maglen = trap, gear maglenna, magledna = to change gear, tangle, trap magli = to tangle
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	maclou = slime (?)

Etymology: from Latin macula (mesh), from Proto-Italic *smatlom, from Proto-Indo-European *smh₂-tló-m (wiping [?]) [source]. Words from the same roots include (chain) mail in English, macchia (stain, smear, spot) in Italian, maquis (thicket, resistance, underground) in French, and Makel (flaw, blemish) in German [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, An Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Razors

25th July 202425th July 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*altēn = razor
Old Irish (Goídelc)	altan = razor, blade
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ailt = edge, blade, edged weapon ailtech = well jointed, finely bladed altan = sharp blade, razor
Irish (Gaeilge)	altán [ˈɑhəɾʲ/ˈahæɾʲ] = sharp knife
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ealtainn [jal̪ˠdɪn̪ʲ] = flock, sharp blade, razor
Old Welsh	elinn = razor
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ellyn = razor eillyaỽ, eillaw, eillya = to shave, cut off, destroy completely, exterminate, erase, pillage ellyaeth = tenancy, support or sustenance eilliedydd = shaver, barber
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ellyn [ˈɛɬɨ̞n/ˈɛɬɪn] = razor eill(i)af, ell(i)o [ˈei̯ɬjɔ] = to shave, cut off, destroy completely, exterminate, erase, pillage eilliad = a shaving, tonsure eilliedig = shaved, shaven, tonsured eilliwr, eillydd = barber, shaver eillty = barber’s shop
Old Cornish	elinn = razor
Cornish (Kernwek)	alsen [alzɛn/ɒlzɐn] = razor alten [altɛn/ɒltɐn] = razor
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	altin = razor
Middle Breton	autenn = razor
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aotenn [ˈɔtːɛn] = razor aotenn-dredan [ˈɔtɛnˈdʁeːdɑ̃n] = electric razor aotenniñ [oˈtɛnːĩ] = to shave

Etymology: unknown. Most likely from a non-IE substrate language [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	rásúr [ɾˠɑːˈsˠuːɾˠ/ˈɾˠɑːsˠuːɾˠ] = razor rásúr sábhailte = safety razor lann rásúr = razor blade
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ràsar [r̪ˠaːsər] = razor
Manx (Gaelg)	rhesar, razor = razor
Welsh (Cymraeg)	r(h)asel, rasal [ˈrasɛl / ˈrasal] = razor r(h)asel ddiogel = safety razor r(h)asel hogi = cut-throat razor raselaidd, rasalaidd = razor-like, sharp r(h)aser = razor
Middle Breton	razaff = to shave
Breton (Brezhoneg)	razher = razor razhañ, razhiñ = to shave razher = barber, gelder razherezh = shave, cut, equality razhouarn = razor, shaver

Etymology (Irish and Breton) from Old French rasour (razor), from raser (to shave), from Vulgar Latin *rāsāre (to shave), from Latin rāsus, from rādō (to scrape, shave, scratch, rub, smooth, graze), from Proto-Italic *razdō, from Proto-Indo-European *rh₁d-dʰ-, from *reh₁d- (to scrape, scratch, gnaw) [source].

Etymology (Scottish Gaelic, Manx and Welsh) from English razor, from Middle English rasour (razor), from Old French rasour (razor) – see above [source].

Words from the same roots include errode, rash, rat, raze, rodent, rostrum in English, rhathu (to scrape, chafe) in Welsh, roder (to polish, wear in, hone) in French, and roer (to gnaw, pick at, wear down) in Spanish [source].

Honey Wine

4th June 2024 By Simon

Words for mead, wine and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	medu = mead, wine, alcoholic drink medwos = drunk
Celtiberian	Mezu-kenos = personal name “mead-born”
Gaulish	medu = mead Medu-genos = personal name “mead-born”
Primitive Irish	medu = mead
Primitive Irish	ᚋᚓᚇᚒ (medu) = mead ᚋᚓᚇᚇᚑᚌᚓᚅᚔ (meddogeni) = personal name “mead-born” ᚋᚓᚇᚃᚃᚔ (medvvi) = personal name “meady”
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mid [mʲið] = mead Midgen = personal name “mead-born”
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mid, midh = mead medb = strong, intoxicating (liquor)
Irish (Gaeilge)	meá [mʲæh / mʲa(h)] = mead
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meadh [mjɤɣ] = mead meadhach = fuddled with mead, like mead, abounding in mead
Manx (Gaelg)	meddagh = mead-maker
Proto-Brythonic	*með [mɛːð] = mead
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	med = mead
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	met, med = mead meddawt, meddavt, meddwdod = drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication meddfaeth, metveith, meduaeth, medweith = nourished on mead, having feastedon mead, mead-feast medgell, meddgell = mead-cellar, drink-cellar met kirn, medgyrn, metgyrn, meddgyrn = mead-horn, drinking-horn metv, medw, meddw = drunk medwyt, medwi, meddwi [ˈmɛðwi] = to get drunk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	medd [meːð] = mead meddaidd = like mead, sweet medd-dod, meddwdod = drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication meddfaeth = luxurious, soft, gentle, delicate, pampered, effeminate meddw [ˈmɛðu] = drunk, intoxicated, fuddled, tipsy meddwi [ˈmɛðwi] = to be(come) drunk or tipsy, to be intoxicated or inebriated, to make drunky
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	medh, medu, meddou = mead medhas = drunkenness, intoxication medho = drunken, intoxicated
Cornish (Kernewek)	medh = mead, hydromel medhow = drunk, intoxicated medhwenep = drunkenness, intoxication medhwi = to intoxicate, make drunk medhwynsi = drunkenness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	medot = mead
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mez = mead
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mez [meː(s)] = mead mezv [mɛ(z)w] = drunk, wobbly (furniture) mezventi = alcoholism mezvier = drunkard mezvierezh = drunkenness mezviñ [ˈmɛ(z)vĩ] = to get drunk mezvus [ˈmɛ(z)vys] = intoxicating, heady

Etymology: from PIE *médʰu (honey, honey wine, mead), possibly related to Proto-Semitic *mataḳ- (sweet) [source].

Words from the same roots include mead in English, mead in English, mjöður (mead) in Icelandic, медведь [mʲɪdˈvʲetʲ] (bear, large clumsy person, lit. “honey eater”) in Russian, mesi (nectar) in Finnish, and possibly 蜜 (mì / mitsu – honey) in Chinese and Japanese and 밀 (mil – beeswax, honey) in Korean [source].

The Irish name Méabh (Maeve) also comes from the same roots [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wīnom = wine
Leptonic	𐌖𐌉𐌍𐌏𐌌 (uinom) = wine
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fín = wine fín acat = vinegar
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fín = wine fínán = cheap wine fínda = pertaining to wine fínmar = having abundance of wine fíntan = vineyard
Irish (Gaeilge)	fíon [fʲiːn̪ˠ] = wine fíonchaor = grape fíoncheannaí = wine merchant, vintner fíonda = vinous, pertaining to wine fíondaite = wine-coloured fíonghort [ˈfʲiːnˠˌɣɔɾˠtˠ] = vineyard fíonmhar = rich in wine, vinous fíonsaothrú = viticulture
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fìon [fiən] = wine fìon-chaor [fiən xɯːr] = grape fìon-chrann = grapevine fìon-fhoghar = wine harvest, vintage fìon-geur = vinegar fìon-lios = vineyard fìonadair = wine-maker
Manx (Gaelg)	feeyn = wine feeyney = of wine, vinous feeyneyder = wine-maker, vintner feeyneydys = viticulture berrish-feeyney = grape feeyn geayr = vinegar fouyr feeyney = vintage garey feeyney = vineyard
Proto-Brythonic	*gwin = wine
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guin = wine
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gvin, guin, gwin = wine gwinblas = mansion where wine is dispensed in abundance gwindeveirn = wine-tavern gwindy, gwin-dŷ = wine-house, wine-tavern, wine-cellar, banqueting house guinegyr, gwinegyr = vinegar guinlann, gwinllan(n) = vineyard, vine
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwin [ɡwiːn] = wine, fermented liquor made from the juice of fruits (apples, elderberries, rhubarb, gooseberries, etc), like wine, pleasant, sweet, fine, excellent gwinbren = vine gwindy = wine-house, wine-tavern, wine-cellar, banqueting house gwinegr = vinegar gwinllan = vineyard, vine, copse, grove, wood, plantation gwinwr, gwinydd = vintner, vine-grower, vine-dresser, vineyard owner
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwin, guin = wine gwinbren, guinbren = vine
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwin [ɡwiːn] = wine gwinbren = vine gwinlan = vineyard gwinyer = winemaker
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guin = wine guiniin = vines
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guin, guyn = wine guiny, guyni = vines guynieyer = vineyard
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwin [ɡwĩːn / ɡɥĩːn] = wine gwinegr [ɡwĩnˈɛk(r)] = vinegar gwini [ˈɡɥĩːni] = vines gwinieg [ɡɥĩ.ˈniː.ɛk] = vineyard gwinier [ɡwĩ.ˈniː.ɛr / ɡɥĩ.ˈniː.ɛr] = winemaker gwinioniezh [ɡɥĩ.nɔ̃ˈniː.ɛs] = oenology

Etymology: from Latin vīnum (wine, grapes, grapevine), from Proto-Italic *wīnom (wine), from Proto-Indo-European *wóyh₁nom (wine, vine). The Welsh and Cornish words come from Latin via Proto-Celtic, the Breton and Goidelic words were borrowed direct from Latin, and the Leptonic word comes direct from Proto-Italic [source].

Words from the same roots include wine, vine, vinegar and oenology (the scientific study of wines and winemaking) in English, wijn (wine) in Dutch, vino (wine) in Italian, wino (wine) in Polish, and possibly ወይን (wäyn – grape) in Amharic [source].

Barn

23rd April 202423rd April 2024 By Simon

Words for barn and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sciból = barn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sciból, sgioból = barn, granary
Irish (Gaeilge)	scioból [ʃkɪˈbˠoːl̪ˠ] = barn
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgiobal [sgʲibəl̪ˠ] = barn, granary
Manx (Gaelg)	skibbalt = barn, granary
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	scipaur = barn, granary
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ysgubaỽr, yscubawr, sgubor, yscubor, yscupor = barn, granary
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgubor, sgubor [əsˈɡɨ̞bɔr/əsˈɡiːbɔr] = barn, granary, farm building (y)sguboraidd = barn-like ysguborio = to put or store in a barn
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scaber, sciber, skibor = barn, any large room
Cornish (Kernewek)	skiber = barn, corn-loft, granary
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	squiber, skiber = lean-to, shed, reception room
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skiber = shed, lean-to, storage room

Etymology (Brythonic words): possibly from Proto-Brytonic *ɨskʉb (sheaf), from Latin scōpa (branch of a plant, broom, besom), from Proto-Italic *skōpās, from Proto-Indo-European *skeh₂p- (rod, shaft, staff, club) [source]. The Goidelic words were probably borrowed from a Brythonic language [source].

Some words for Brushes and Brooms in Celtic languages come from the same roots, as do the words scopa (broom) in Italian, escoba (broom) in Spanish, and shqopë (heather, heath, briar) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	saball = barn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	saball = barn
Irish (Gaeilge)	sabhall = barn
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sabhal [sa.əl̪ˠ] = barn, granary sabhal-feòir = hay barn sabhalalach [sa.əl̪ˠəx] = barn-like, pertaining to or abounding in barns
Manx (Gaelg)	soalt = barn, granary

Etymology: from Latin stablum (dwelling, stable, hut, tavern), from stō (to stand, stay, remain) and‎ -bulum (instrumental suffix) ( [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ithlann = barn, granary, threshing floor
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ithlann, ithla, ithland = threshing floor, barn, granary, storehouse, garden
Irish (Gaeilge)	iothlainn = stackyard, rickyard
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iothl(i)ann [jul̪ˠən̪ˠ/jul̪ɪn̪ʲ] = yard, farmyard enclosure
Manx (Gaelg)	uhllin = corn-yard, farmyard, haggard, rick-yard, stack-yard

Etymology: from Old Irish ith (corn, grain) and lann (building, house, land, plot) [source].

Other words for barn in Welsh include grawndy (barn, granary), grawnfa (barn, granary) and heiniardy (barn, granary).

Incidentally, the word barn means opinion, view, judgement or sentence in Welsh, to judge in Breton, and it means child in the Northern Germanic languages, such as Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Icelandic, and in dialects of English spoken in parts of northern England [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Proto-Italic

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Original Pedigree

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Honey Wine

Barn