Order

1st November 20231st November 2023 By Simon

Words for order and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ord = order, sequence ordaigidir = to order, ordain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ord, ordd, ort, órd = order, sequence, arrangement, state, way, course, procedure, degree, rank, dignity, ritual, office ord(d)ad = ordering, arranging ord(d)aigecht = dignity, nobility ord(d)aigid(ir) = to order, ordain, institue, appoint ord(d)aigthe = ordered, ordained, arranged ord(d)an = dignity, honour, pre-eminence
Irish (Gaeilge)	ord [əuɾˠd̪ˠ / ɔːɾˠd̪ˠ] = order, sequence, arrangement ordaigh = to order, command, prescribe, ordain, recommend ordaiteach = imperative ordaithe = ordered, stipulated ordan = honour, dignity, rank, pre-eminence ordanáilte = neat, ordered ordú = to order, command ordúil = orderly, neat, ordered ordúilacht = orderliness, neatness, tidiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òrd [or̪ˠd] = order òrdach [or̪ˠdəx] = orderly, regular òrdachadh [or̪ˠdəxəɣ] = commanding, ordering òrdachail [or̪ˠdəxal] = prescriptive òrdan [or̪ˠdan] = order, statute òrdugh [or̪ˠdu] = order, prescription, command
Manx (Gaelg)	oardyr, ordyr = order oardagh = arrangement, array, commission, decree, directive, order, rite, ritual, sequence oardee = to bid, command, order oarderit = ordained, ordered, regulated oardit = appointed, authorized, decreed, ordained, ordered oardoil = orderly, oridinal oardreilys = order, system
Proto-Brythonic	*ʉrð = order
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	urd, urdd = holy orders, order urdav, vrdav = to appoint to an honour, duty, or office urdein, urtyein, urtdein, urtein, vrddain = dignified, honourable, praiseworthy urtas, vrdas, urdas = dignity, honour, nobility vrddassav, urddasu, vrddassv = to dignify, honour, venerate vrdasseyd, urdasseid, vrdasseid = dignified, honourable urtassaỼc, urddasog = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble
Welsh (Cymraeg)	urdd [ɨ̞rð / ɪrð] = holy orders, (religious, military, chivalric, taxonomic) order, dignity, honour, discipline, rule, control, manner urddaf, urddo = to appoint to an honour, duty, or office, ordain, crown, dub (knight), honour, elevate, dignify, dedicate urdd(i)ain = dignified, honourable, praiseworthy urddas = dignity, honour, nobility, (high) rank, reputation, status urddasaf, urddasu = to dignify, honour, venerate, revere, elevate, ennoble urddasaidd = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble, orderly urddasog = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble
Cornish (Kernewek)	urdh = order urdhas = hierarchy urdhya = to initiate urdhyans = initiation
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	eurz, urz, vrz = order, arrangement, command
Breton (Brezhoneg)	urzh [yrs] = order, right, authorisation urzhad [ˈyrzat] = (biological) order urzhaz = hierarchy urzhiadur = prescription, order, arrangment, ordination urzhiañ [ˈyrzjã] = to order, arrange, organise urzhiataer [yr.zja.ˈtɛːr] = computer

Etymology: from Latin ōrdō (order, row, series, class, condition, group), from Proto-Italic *ordō (row, order), probably from Proto-Indo-European *h₂or-d-, from *h₂er- (to fit, fix, put together). Words from the same roots include arm, art, harmony, order, ordinary, ornate and reason in English, orden (order) in Spanish and Ordnung (arrangement, regulation) 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, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Rewarding Gifts

6th October 2023 By Simon

Words for prize and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*uɸo-kʷrinati = reward (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fochraic [ˈfoxriɡʲ] = reward, recompense terḟochraic, terfhochraic = buying, payment, reward crenaid = to buy, sell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fochraic, fochricc = reward, recompense, payment, fee, hire, rent, compensation fochrach = a hireling, mercenary fochricnet = a little reward terḟochraic, terochraic, turfhochraic = reward, recompense, price, payment, present or payment made by a bridegroom to a bride or her relations
Irish (Gaeilge)	fochraig = reward, stipend, fee
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwobr, gwobyr = reward, prize gwobr-wŷr = rewarder, giver or taker of bribes, briber gober, gobruy, gobrwy, gobyr = reward, payment, fee,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwobr/gwobrwy [ˈɡwɔbr] =reward, prize, desert, recompense, benefit, gift, tip, fee, hire, bribe gwobrwy = fee, fine gwobraf, gwobri, gwobru, gwobro = to reward, recompense, compensate, bribe, corrupt gwobrwr = rewarder, giver or taker of bribes, briber gwobrwyad = a rewarding, remuneration, bribery gwobrwyaf, gwobrwyo = to award a prize, reward, recompense, acknowledge gobr/gobrwy = reward, payment, fee, wages, recompense, gift, merit, desert, bribe
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gober, gobar, gobyr = recompense, reward, fee, wagews, stipend, hire goberna = to hire
Cornish (Kernewek)	gober = earnings, income, pay, remuneration, reward, salary, wage gober dilavur/diweythieth = unemployment benefit gober ispoyntel = minimum wage gober kleves = sick pay gober omdednans = pension gobra = to remunerate, reward gobrena = to rent gobrener, gorenores = tenant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gopr, gobr = wage, salary gopra = to bet, wager gopraer, gopraër = mercenary, tenant, lodger gopraff, gôbret = to put on payroll, give a salary, remunerate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gopr = salary, wages, pay, fee gopra = to bet, wager, pay, hire goprad = salary gopradenn = recompense goprañ = to put on payroll, give a salary, remunerate

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic from *uɸo (under) and *kʷrināti (to buy) [source]. Some words for to buy in Celtic languages come from the Proto-Celtic root *kʷrināti (to buy)

Proto-Celtic	dānus / dānus = gift
Gaulish	Danomaros = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dán [daːn] = art, gift, poem, skill
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dán = gift, bestowal, endowment, present, skill, poem, song, verse, rhyme
Irish (Gaeilge)	dán [d̪ˠɑ̃ːn̪ˠ/d̪ˠaːn̪ˠ] = gift, offering, craft, calling, art, faculty, art of poetry, poem, lot, fate dánaigh = to give, bestow dánlann = art gallery
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dàn [daːn] = poem, song, work, effort dàn-mòr = epic poem dàn-molaidh = eulogy dàn-liriceach = lyric dàn-fhacal = epigram dànach = poetic, metric dànachd = poetry
Manx (Gaelg)	daan = poem daan mooar = epic daan moyllee = hymn
Proto-Brythonic	*dọn = gift, blessing
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	daun, davn, dawn = gift, talent dawnget, dawnged = gift, benefit, favour dawngoeth, down-goeth = finely gifted or endowed dawnha = to endow with a gift or benefit, to bless donnwy, donyer, donya = to endow, bless, give, present donyauc, donyawc, doniog = gifted, endowed, talented
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dawn [dau̯n] = faculty, intellectual gift, talent, genius, humour, wit, grace, benefit, blessing, favour, reward, present, donation dawnaf, dawno = to fare, get on dawnaidd = gifted, endowed with or showing ability dawnedigaeth = gift, a giving or conferring, endowment, grace dawnged = gift, benefit, favour dawngoeth = finely gifted or endowed dawnhaf, dawnhau = to endow with a gift or benefit, to bless doniaf, donio = to endow, bless, give, present doniog = gifted, endowed, talented, bountiful, liberal, fortunate, advantageous doniol = gifted, talented, endowed, eloquent
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	donaison, donaeson, donaezon = gift, talent, donation donaesonaff = to donate donaesonner, donaesoner = donor
Breton (Brezhoneg)	donezon = gift, talent, donation donezoner = donor donezoniñ = to donate, present, reward, gratify

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *déh₃nom (gift), from *deh₃- (to give) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include date, donate, dose and vend in English, don (gift, talent, knack) in French, dom (talent) in Portuguese, and don (gift, present, talent, knack) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dúas = reward, gift
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dúas, dúáis, duais = gift, reward (esp. a recompense give to poets) dúasach = reward- or gift-bestowing, munificent, gift-bestower, rewarder dúasad = act of benefiting, rewarding frithdúas = a counter-reward, the payment made to the receiter
Irish (Gaeilge)	duais = gift, reward, prize, stake, prize, prize-winning duaisbhanna = prize-bond duaiseach = bountiful, generous duaiseoir = prizewinner
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	duais [duəʃ] = prize, bonus, reward, purse (in sports) duais-bhrathaidh = bribe (reward for betrayal) duais-roinn = dividend duais-earrainn = dividend duais-airgid = (monetary) prize duais-barrachd = premium duaiseachadh [duəʃəxəɣ] = awarding, gratifying, gratification duaismhor duəʃ(v)ər] = liberal, bountiful

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *deh₃- (to give) [source].

Impeccable Peccadillos

29th September 2023 By Simon

Words for sin, fault, crime and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kariyā = mistake, sin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	caire [ˈkarʲe] = crime, fault, sin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	caire, cair, coire = crime, fault, sin cairech = criminal, guilty, sinful cairigid = rebukes, accuses, blames cairthech = criminal, guilty
Irish (Gaeilge)	coir [kɛɾʲ/kɪɾʲ] = crime, offence; fault, transgression coireach = offender, transgressor; wicked, sinful, guilty coireacht = wickedness, guiltiness coiriú = censure coireolaí = criminologist coiritheoir = accuser, incriminator
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coire [kɔrʲə] = blame, fault, offence, wrong coireach [kɤrʲəx] = culprit; guilty, to blame, faulty, responsible coireachd [kɔrʲəxg] = culpability
Proto-Brythonic	*kareð [kaˈrɛːð] = mistake, sin
Old Welsh	cared = transgression, sin, crime
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cared, karet = transgression, sin, crime karedus = sinful, evil
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caredd [ˈkarɛð] = transgression, sin, crime, lust, love careddus = sinful, evil careddwr = accuser, evil-doer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cara = to correct, chastise
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	carez, garé = blame, reprimand carez = to blame, accuse
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karez = blame, incrimination kareziñ = to blame, accuse

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kh₂er- (blame, abuse). Words from the same PIE root include cārinō (I revile, blame, insult) in Latin, корить [kɐˈrʲitʲ] (to reproach, upbraid) in Russian, and коря [koˈrʲɤ̟] (to accuse, blame) in Bulgarian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	peccad = sin pecthaigid = to sin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	pec(c)ad = sin pecthach = sinful, committing sin, sinner pecthaigid, pec(c)aigid = sins. commits sin
Irish (Gaeilge)	peaca [ˈpʲakə/ˈpʲaku] = sin peacadh = offender, transgressor; wicked, sinful, guilty peacach = sinner, sinful peacaigh = to sin peacúil = sinful peacúlacht = sinfulness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	peaca [pɛxgə] = sin peacadh, peacachadh [pɛxgəxəɣ] = sinning, sin, transgressing peacail [pɛxgal] = sinful peacach [pɛxgəx] = sinner
Manx (Gaelg)	peccah = human being, sinner, sin, wickedness peccagh = human, person, transgressor, sinner peccoil = erring, sinful, unregenerate
Proto-Brythonic	pexọd [peˈxɔːd] = sin pexadʉr = sinner *pexad [peˈxɔːd] = to sin, offend
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pechawt = sin pechadur = sinner pechu =to sin, offend
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pechod [ˈpɛχɔd/ˈpeːχɔd] = sin pechadur [pɛˈχadɨ̞r/pɛˈχaːdɪr] = sinner, offender pechu [ˈpɛχɨ/ˈpeːχi] =to sin, offend
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pech, pêch, pechad, pechas = sin, offence, transgression pecha, peché = to sin, transgress, offend pechadur, pechadures = sinner, transgressor
Cornish (Kernewek)	pegh = guilt, sin pegha = to sin, offend peghador, peghadores = sinner peghes = sin peghus = sinful
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pechet = blame pechiff =to sin, offend pechezr = sinner
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pec’hed = sin pec’hiñ = to sin, offend pec’her = sinner

Etymology: from Latin peccātum (sin), from peccō (I sin, offend), from Proto-Italic *petkāō (I sin), from Proto-Indo-European verbal root *ped- (“to walk, fall, stumble”) [source].

Words from the same roots include peccadillo, impeccable, foot, pedal, pedestrian, and pew in English, pécher (to sin) in French, pecar (to sin) in Spanish [source].

Down Under

14th September 202314th September 2023 By Simon

Words for down, below, under and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸīssu = under
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ís = below sís = down, downwards, northwards anís = below, from below tís = below
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ís = below, under sís, sis = down, downwards, northwards, below, onwards, throughout, onwards sísana, siosina, sisana = here below, below anís, = (from) below, beneath tís = below, in the north
Irish (Gaeilge)	síos [ʃiːsˠ] = down (away from the speaker), to lower place or station, hanging down, drooping, trailing, to the north, to a lesser centre or remote district, following síos suas = upside down, topsyturvy aníos = up (from below), from the north thíos = down, in a lower place, in the north, below, farther on in a book, written down, entered (in a ledger, etc), on the fire thíosluaite = undermentioned thíos-sínithe = undersigned
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sìos [ʃiəs] = down (away from the speaker), downwards, below shìos [hiəs] = down, below a-nìos [əˈn̪ʲiəs] = up, upwards (towards from the speaker) a-sìos [əˈʃiəs] = down, downwards sìos ‘nad inntinn = depressed a’ dol sìos = going down, experiencing a downturn, charging (in battle) cuir sìos = to put/lay/set down is mar sin sìos = and so on
Manx (Gaelg)	sheese = below, down, downward(s) brishey sheese = to analyse, analysis, break down, rend sheese lesh = down the hatch, down with soie sheese = to settle, sit down heese = beneath, down, downhill, hereafter, lower end, under, knock-down (prices) neese = from below up, upwards
Old Welsh	is = under, underneath, beneath, below, lower than
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	is, iss = under, underneath, beneath, below, lower than iss-hau, isheir = to sink, sink down or lower issot, isod = under, underneath, below, beneath
Welsh (Cymraeg)	is = under, underneath, beneath, below, lower than; before; lower, inferior, poorer isâf, isáu = to come/go lower, to reduce in rank, lower the pride of, debase, degrade, humble, humiliate isafaf, isafu = to minimize, reduce, lower isafiad = (one’s) inferior isod = under, underneath, below, beneath, on earth, lower down, later, further
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	isa = lowest isot = downwards
Cornish (Kernewek)	a-is = below, lower
Old Breton	isel = low
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	is = lower, below
Breton (Brezhoneg)	is = lower, below isdouarel = underground

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European pedsú, from *pṓds (foot), from *ped- (to walk, step) [source]. Words from the same roots include íseal (low) in Irish, ìosal (low, humble) in Scottish Gaelic, isel (low) in Welsh and related words for low in other Celtic languages, Fuß (foot) in German and pie (foot) in Spanish [more details].

Proto-Celtic	uɸo/ufo- = under
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fo = beneath, through, throughout, towards, under fo bésad = after the manner of, like fo bíthin = because (of) fo chétóir = at once, immediately
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fo, fa, fá = under, underneath, into, through, about, around
Irish (Gaeilge)	faoi [fˠiː] = beneath, below, bearing, supporting, about, round, against faoi cheann = by, at, the end of faoi adhall = in heat faoi bhaile = at home, around faoi bhun = beneath
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fo [fɔ] = under, underneath, below, beneath, subordinate fo-dhearg = infrared fo-inntinn = subconscious fo-ros = undergrowth fo chleòca = under cover, in secret
Manx (Gaelg)	fo = below, beneath, under, sunken, dependent, underlaying, subsidiary, junior, assistant fo aggle = aghast, alarmed, awestricken fo arrey = under surveillance fo chiuney = beclamed fo druaight = charmed fo-heer-vooar = subcontinent
Old Welsh	guo, gu =under, rather, somewhat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwo, gwa, go = under, rather, somewhat goaruoel = rather bald, baldish
Welsh (Cymraeg)	go = under, rather, somewhat, slightly, partly, small, exceeding go agos = near, almost go dde = right, dexterous go lew = pretty fair, middling go is = beneath goarfoel = rather bald, baldish
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	go = rather
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gou, gu, go, fo, uo = under
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwa-, gou- = under, sub-

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *upo (under, below). Words for high in Celtic languages come from the same root, as does sub(marine) in English, sumo (highest, greatest) in Spanish and summo (hightest, greatest, great) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tanā = (point in) time
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tan = when, time
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tan, tain = time, while, point of time, when, whenever, until, before
Irish (Gaeilge)	tan [tan] = time, occasion, once upon a time, once (an) tan = at the time that, when, whenever, since
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàn [taːn] =time, season an tàn = when, at the time
Proto-Brythonic	*tan =under
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dan, tan = under, below, beneath
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tan [tan] = until, under, while dan = under, below, beneath, underneath, on the inside, less than, until, while, because, since o dan = under tan lw = under oath dan yr awyr, tan awyr = under the sky, in the open air dan ddaear = underground dan din = sneaky, deceitful, stealthy, secret, illicit dan y don = under water dan draed = underfoot, in the way
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tan = under, beneath, below (yn) dan = under, beneath danva = a hiding place, concealment
Cornish (Kernewek)	yn-dann = below, beneath, under, underneath yn-dann alhwedh = under lockdown yn-dann dava = in touch yn-dann dhor = underground yn-dann dhowr = underwater yn-dann gel = in secret, secretly yn-dann hatt = confidential yn-dann with = care of (c/o)
Old Breton	tan, dan = under
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dan = bottom, back, under, underneath
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dan = basement, subsoil dindan = under, on, sub- dindan-douar = underground, secret dindan-vor = underwater

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tn̥néh₂ (a stretch), from *ten- (to stretch). Words from the same root include contain, tenant, tone and tune in English [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Blindness

3rd August 20233rd August 2023 By Simon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Beaks and Snouts

22nd July 202322nd July 2023 By Simon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proto-Celtic	gulbā, gulbīnos = beak, bill
Gaulish	*gulbiā = beak, bill
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gulban, gulpan = bird’s beak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gulba = beak, mouth, jaw gulban = beak, sting gulbanda = beaked, piercing gulbnech = beaked, sharp-beaked gulbnén = small beak gulbnide = biting gulbniugad nibbing, biting
Irish (Gaeilge)	gulba = beak, bill, tip, point, projection guilbneach = (sharp-)beaked, curlew guilbnéan = little beak guilbnigh = to peck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gulb [gul̪ˠub] = beak, nose gulban [gul̪ˠuban] = beak, nose guilbneach [gulubnəx] = curlew
Proto-Brythonic	*gulbino- = beak, snout
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gilbin, gyluin, gylfin = bird’s beak, snout gylfinir, gelvinir, gylfinhir = curlew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gylfin = bird’s beak, bill, snout, sharp-pointed nose, mouth, lip gylfinaid = beakful, mouthful gylfinir = curlew gylfinog = beaked, rostrated, wild daffodil, narcissus
Old Cornish	geluin = beak, bill
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinac, gylvinac = curlew
Cornish (Kernewek)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinek = curlew
Old Breton	golbin = cape, promontory, headland, rostrum
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	golff, golf = tailless
Breton (Brezhoneg)	golv = tailless, naturally

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Baskets

24th February 202324th February 2023 By Simon

Words for baskets and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*kleibo = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clíab = basket, breast, chest, ribcage
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clíab = basket, skep, bee-hive, coracle, currach, breast, bosom cliabach = slender-bodied cliabaire = infant cliabán = cradle, bird-trip, bird-cage
Irish (Gaeilge)	cliabh [klʲiəvˠ/klʲiəw] = ribbed frame; body, chest, bosom; creel, pannier basket cliabhadóir = creel-maker cliabhadóireacht = creel-making cliabhaire = basket-carrier, travelling poultry-dealer cliabhán = cradle, wicker cage cliabhrach = bodily frame, chest, thorax; (person of) large frame
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cliabh [kliəv] = basket, creel, pannier, ribcage, straightjacket cliabhadh [kliəvəɣ] = (act of) putting into a creel cliabhan = small creel, small hamper, wreckage, broken timbers cliabhadair, cliabhair [kliəvədɪrʲ] = basket-maker
Manx (Gaelg)	clean = pannier, potato creel, twig basket; cot, cradle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kauell, cawell = basket, pannier, cradle cawelleit = basketful, hamperful, quiverful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cawell = basket, pannier; cradle; fish-trap, creel, cage; quiver; belly, breast cawellaf, cawellu = to put into a hamper or basket; cradle cawellaid = basketful, hamperful, quiverful cawellig = little basket cawellwr = basket-maker, maker of wicker fish-traps
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cawal, cauwal, cowal = hamper, basket, pannier cawel gwanan beehive
Cornish (Kernewek)	kowel = hamper, basket, cage kowel gwenen beehive kowel-gwari = playpen kowella = to cage
Old Breton	cauell, cauèl, queuel, qavell = cradle, trap, locker
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kavell, kavel, kevell, cauell = cradle, trap, locker kavell-bez = tomb kavellad = contents of a trap kavellañ = to put in a basket
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kavell = cradle, trap, locker kavell-bez = tomb

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱley- (to lean) [source]. Celtic words for fence, hurdle, lattice and related things come from the same root: more details, as do words for left and related things.

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish and Latin, include claie (wicker rack, trellis, hurdle) in French and cheda (wattled laterals at the base of a traditional cart) in Galician [source].

Words from the same PIE root include client, climate, clinic, incline and lean in English, leunen (to lean) in Dutch, lehnen (to lean) in German, chinàre (to bend) in Italian, and clemente (lenient) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ces = basket
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ces = basket, hamper, pannier, bee-hive, skep, causeway of hurdles
Irish (Gaeilge)	cis [cɪʃ] = wicker container, basket, crate, plaited or crossed twigs as support for causeway ciseach = wattled causeway, improved path, footbridge, over soft ground or drain, hamper ciseachán = breadbasket, stomach ciseán = (wicker) basket ciseadóir = wicker-worker, basket-maker ciseadóireacht = wicker-work, basketry ciseog = shallow basket (for potatoes, etc) cispheil = basketball
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cis [kʲiʃ] = (large) woven/wicker basket, wickerwork panel, hurdle ciseach [kʲiʃəx] = wickerwork path/bridge ciseag, cisean, ciosan = small woven basket or creel, kishie cisean [kliəvədɪrʲ] = basket-maker
Manx (Gaelg)	kishan = skep kishan pabyr = waste paper basket kishan shellan = hive

Etymology: from Old Norse kista (chest, box), from Latin cista (trunk, chest, casket), from Ancient Greek κίστη (kístē – box, chest, casket), from Proto-Indo-European *kisteh₂ (woven container) [source].

Words from the same roots include chest in English, kist (chest, box, trunk, coffer) in Scots, Kiste (box, crate, case, chest) in German, ciste (chest, coffer, treasure, fund) in French, cesta (basket, hamper) in Spanish [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	bascaed = basket
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	basgaid [basgɪdʲ] = basket basgaid-arain = breadbasket basgaid-bidhe = hamper basgaid-sgudail = wastebasket ball-basgaid = basketball
Manx (Gaelg)	basca(i)d, baskad, bastag = pannier, potato creel, twig basket; cot, cradle bastag arran = breadbasket bastageyr = basket maker
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	basged, bascet, basced = basket, basketful basgedeit = basketful, hamperful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	basgeg = basket, basketful basgedaf, basgedu = to place in a basket, to make baskets basged(i)aid = basketful, hamperful basgedwaith = basketry, basketwork, wickerwork basgedwr, basgedydd = basket-maker
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	basced = basket
Cornish (Kernewek)	basket = basket

Etymology: from Middle English basket, from Anglo-Norman bascat (basket), possibly from Late Latin bascauda (a woven mat or vessel to hold basketwork), from Proto-Celtic *baskis (bundle, load), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰask- (bundle), or non-Indo-European source.

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include bâche (tarpaulin, canvas sheet, cover) in French, vascullo (broom, bundle of straw) in Galician, basket in English, فَشْقَار (fašqār – a heap of sheaves) in Arabic [source].

Other words from the PIE root *bʰask- include fascis (bundle, burden, load, high office) in Latin, and possibly bast (fibre made from certain plants used for matting and cord) in English, bast (bast, raffia) in Danish, bast (inner bark, velvet, skin, hide) in Dutch, and bashkë (together, simultaneously) in Albanian [source].

There are more details on the Burdensome Loads Celtiadur post, and the Celtic Pathways Baskets episode.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Burdensome Loads

5th February 20235th February 2023 By Simon

Words for loads, burdens and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*baskis = bundle, load
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	basc = circular necklet or neckband
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	basc = round, red, scarlet (archaic)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	beich = burden, load
Welsh (Cymraeg)	baich [bai̯χ] = burden, heavy load, labour, duty, sin, sorrow, woe, responsibility, a load, a dry measure baich gwaith = workload beichiaf, beichio = to burden, load, weigh (down), overwhelm, encumber beichiedig = burdened, laden beichiog = pregnant, expectant, burdened, laden, fertile, prolific, teeming beichiogaeth = pregnancy beichiogaf, beichiogi = to become pregnant, impregnate, conceive beichiogi = pregnancy, conception, feture, childbirth, delivery (of child)
Cornish (Kernewek)	begh = burden, load begh-ober = workload beghus = burdensome, onerous beghya = to burden, impose upon, overload
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bec’h = burden bec’hiet = loaded, charged, full bec’h(i)us = heavy, overwhelming, oppressive bec’h-bec’h = with great difficulty bec’hiadurezh = oppression
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bec’h = difficulty, effort bec’hiad = load, charge, responsibility, burden bec’hadenn = physical effort bec’hded = saturation

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰask- (bundle, band), or from a non-Indo-European source. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include bascauda (woven mat or vessel to hold basketwork) in Late Latin, bâche (tarpaulin, canvas sheet, cover) in French, vascullo (broom, bundle of straw) in Galician, basket in English, فَشْقَار (fašqār – a heap of sheaves) in Arabic (via Aragonese or Galician) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include fascis (bundle, burden, load, high office) in Latin, and possibly bast (fibre made from certain plants used for matting and cord) in English, bast (bast, raffia) in Danish, bast (inner bark, velvet, skin, hide) in Dutch, and bashkë (together, simultaneously) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	aire = load, burden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aire, oire, ere = load, burden
Irish (Gaeilge)	eire = load, burden eireadóir = encumbrancer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eire [erʲə] = burden, load eireach [erʲəx] = burdensome, heavy
Manx (Gaelg)	errey = burden, impost, imposition, load thie errey = infirmary
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	areu = burden, sorrow, grief
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arau = burden, sorrow, grief

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	úalach = burden, load, duty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úalach = burden, charge, load, duty, obligation
Irish (Gaeilge)	ualach = load, burden ualaigh = to load, burden, encumber
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uallach = round, red, scarlet (archaic)

Etymology: possibly from uala (shoulder), a version of guala (shoulder), from Middle Irish gúala (shoulder), from Old Irish gúalu (shoulder), from Proto-Indo-European *gew (to bend, curve) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include giro and gyre (a swirling vortex) in English, giro (turn, twist, rotation) in Italian, and giro (turn, spin, tour) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Fees and Charges

2nd February 20232nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for fee, charge and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	talī = pay
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	táille = reckoning, account, amount
Irish (Gaeilge)	táille [ˈt̪ˠɑːl̠ʲə / ˈt̪ˠæːl̠ʲə] = tally, score, charge, reckoning, number, fee, premium, rate, tariff, fare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàille [taːl̪ˠə] = fee, charge, wages, tax, tribute tàilleabh = consequence, result, premium tàilleabhan [taːl̪ʲəvan] = derivative tàilleabhach = apprentice tàilleabhachd = apprenticeship
Manx (Gaelg)	tailley = duty, fare, fee, impost, notch, premium, score, tally (stick), tariff
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tal, tâl = payment, wage, fee
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tâl [taːl] = payment, wage, fee, reward, tax, tribute, value, compensation, recompense, reparation, atonement, retribution, punishment tal(i)adwy = valuable, precious, flawless, perfect talaf, talu = to pay (for) tal(i)awdr = payer, rewarder, debtor, creditor
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	talves = worth, of value taly = to pay, requite, recompense
Cornish (Kernewek)	talas = payment talvedhys = worth talvesa = to be worth talvos = to be priced, rate talvosek = valuable talvosogeth = usefulness, value, worth
Old Breton	tal = to worthy, cost
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tailh = waist, cutting, pruning, tax tailhadiñ = to cut, slash tailhadur = cut tailhañ, tailhiñ = to cut, prune, trim
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tailh = waist, cutting, pruning tailhañ = to ration, cut down

Etymology: from the Old French taille (cit, wound, incision, count, tally, charge, levy, tax), from the Latin tālea (rod, stick, stake, bar, cutting, scion, twig), from the Proto-Indo-European *teh₂l- (to grow, young animal) [source]. The Goidelic languages borrowed these words from Old French, while the Brythonic words came via Proto-Celtic and PIE.

Words from the same roots include tally in English, taille (cutting, pruning, trimming, size, waist) in French, talea (cutting, scion) in Italian, tajar (to cut, slice, chop) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Region and Country

25th January 202325th January 2023 By Simon

Words for region, country and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*mrogis = border(land), march, mark; region, country, territory, province
Gaulish	*brogis = border(land) (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mruig [mruɣʲ] = cultivated land; march, borderland, country, territory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bruig = land, cultivated land, holding, region, district, border, (farm)house, abode, hall, mansion, castle
Irish (Gaeilge)	brugh = dwelling, mansion brughaidh = landowner, hosteler
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brugh [bruh] = broch, fortified tower, large house, mansion, fairy mound, underground house brughadair [bru.ədɪrʲ] = broch dweller, fairy mound dweller, elf brughaire [bru.ɪrʲə] = inhabitant of a fairy mound
Manx (Gaelg)	brogh = broch
Proto-Brythonic	*broɣ [ˈbroːɣ] = country, region, territory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bro = region, country, land
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bro [broː] = region, country, land, neighbourhood, native haunt; border, limit, boundary, march; vale, lowland broaidd = pleasant like a vale
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bro = country, region, land, territory, coast
Cornish (Kernewek)	bro = country, land
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bro = country, nation, region broa = to return to the country broad = inhabitants, compatriots broadel = national Bro-C’hall = France Bro-Gernev = Cornwall Bro-Saoz = England Bro-Skos = Scotland
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bro = counry(-side) broadadur = naturalization broadeladur = nationalisation broadelañ = to naturalize (a person) Bro-C’hall = France Bro-Saoz = England Bro-Skos = Scotland

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *morǵ- (frontier, border). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish and Latin, include brolo (vegetable garden, orchard, grove) in Italian, and breuil (wood, copse, coppice) in French [source].

Words from the same PIE root include margin, mark (boundary, border, frontier) and march (a border region) in English, and marge (margin, markup) in French, margine (margin, border, edge) in Italian, and margen (margin, edge, leeway) in Spanish [source], Mark (a fortified border area, marches) in German, mark (field) in Danish, and marg (march, boundary) in Irish (via Old Norse) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Spanish (español)

Order

Rewarding Gifts

Impeccable Peccadillos

Down Under

Blindness

Beaks and Snouts

Baskets

Burdensome Loads

Fees and Charges

Region and Country