Steps

23rd December 202131st December 2021 By Simon

Words for steps and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*kanxsman = step, act of stepping
Gaulish	*kamman = step
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céimm [ˈkʲeːmʲ] = step; rank (in a hierarchy)
Irish (Gaeilge)	céim [ceːmʲ] = step, degree, rank, pass, ravine, difficulty céimnigh = to step, grade, graduate céimniú = stepping, tread, grading, graduation aischéim = backward step ardchéim = high rank, dignity, higher degree bunchéim = primary degree, positive (degree) coiscéim = footstep, pace
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceum [kʲeːm] = step, footstep, pace, tread, path, degree, measure cois-cheum = step, pace ceum-coise = footstep, footpath
Manx (Gaelg)	keim = phase, step, degree, stage, standard, stile, grade keimagh = postgraduate keimee = to graduate, promote
Proto-Brythonic	*kamman = step
Old Welsh	cemmein = step
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cam, camm, kam = step
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cam [kam] = step, stride, pace, leap, foot-fall, footprint, trace, progress camu, camaf = to step over, take a stride, take strides, pace camâd = stile
Cornish (Kernewek)	kamm = pace, step, track
Middle Breton	cam = step
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kamm = pace, walk tread, (foot)step kammed = step

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *kengeti (to step), from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)keng- (to limp, walk lamely) [source]

Words from the same Gaulish root (*kamman) include: cammīnus (way) in Latin, camino (track, path, road, way, route, journey) and caminar (to walk, stroll, travel) in Spanish, caminho (way, road, path) in Portugese, cammino (walk, path, way) and camminare (to walk, work (function)) in Italian, and chemin (path, way, pathway) in 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, logainm.ie, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Grace and Favour

10th December 202118th August 2024 By Simon

Words for grace, virtue and related words in Celtic languages.

Words for grace and virtue in Celtic languages

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸratom = grace, virtue, good fortune
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rath = gift, goods, grace, luck, property, prosperity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rath(a) = grace, virtue, gift, good luck, fortune, prosperity
Irish (Gaeilge)	rath [ɾˠɑh/ɾˠa/ɾˠah] = bestowal, grant, grace, favour, gift, bounty; prosperity; abundance; usefulness, good rathaigh = to prosper, succeed, thrive, make successful rathúil = prosperous, successful, thriving; fortunate, lucky rathúlacht = prosperousness, successfulness rathúnas = prosperity, plenty, abundance rathúnasach = prosperous, abundant anrath = ill-luck anrathach = unlucky
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rath [r̪ˠa] = good fortune/luck, prosperity, success rathadach = fortunate, auspicious, prosperous rathmhor = fortunate, auspicious, prosperous rathach = fortunate, auspicious, prosperous droch-rath = back luck/fortune
Manx (Gaelg)	raah, rah = good luck, prosperity, well-doing raah mie = prosperity ard-raah = zenith of prosperity gyn raah = unsuccessful cur rah er = to prosper
Old Welsh	rat = grace, blessing, favour,
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rat, rad = grace, blessing, favour,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhad [r̥aːd] = grace, blessing, favour, generosity, bounty, goodness, graciousness, talent, gift; cheap, free, unpaid, valueless, poor, inferior, gracious, giving, generous rhad ac am ddim = free (of charge), without cost, unpaid rhad Duw = the grace of God, God’s blessing rhad fel baw / rhad mochyn = dirt cheap yn rhad = as a gift, free (of charge), unpaid, cheaply, freely, unrestrained rhadaf, rhadu = to bestow grace upon, bless, give generously, to make cheap rhadineb = grace, graciousness rhadwr = generous man
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ras, râs, = grace, thanks, worth, value, excellence mêr râs = thank you, much thanks rasow = graces, excellencies
Cornish (Kernewek)	ras = virtue meur ras = thank you rasek = graceful diras = graceless
Old Breton	rad = thought, reflection
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rat = thought, reflection

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *ɸar-/*ɸarnati (to bestow), from the Proto-Indo-European *perh₃- (bestow, give) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include pare (to remove the outer covering or skin of something with a cutting device) in English, paràre (to adorn, protect, shield) in Italian, parar (to stop, put up, lift, raise) in Spanish, and parod (ready, prepared) in Welsh [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

Parts and Portions

2nd December 202120th July 2024 By Simon

Words for part, portion, piece, thing and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*rannā = part
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rann = part (of a whole) randatu = the property of belonging to a part of speech rannaid = to divide (into parts), to apportion ranngabáil = participle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rann, rand, ran, rán = part, lot, portion, faction, alliance
Irish (Gaeilge)	rann [ɾˠanˠ] = part, side (in dispute), partition rannach = apportioning, sharing, open-handed rannadóir = divider, sharer rannán = division rannóg = section rannpháirt = participation, part, share roinn = share, portion, distribution, dealing, trading, division
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rann [r̪ˠaun̪ˠ] = stanza, quatrain, verse, bond, deed, division, part, portion, section rann-phàirt = participation, portion, participle roinn [r̪ˠɤin̪ʲ / r̪ˠɤn̪ʲə] = dividing, partitioning, section, share, allotment, partition, department, division roinneadair = divider, divisor, sorter
Manx (Gaelg)	rheynn = divide, classify, distribute, dispense, share fo-rheynn = section so-rheynn = divisible
Proto-Brythonic	*rrann = part
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rann = part
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhan [r̥an] = part (of something), portion, division, element, constituent, component rhanadwy = divisible, dividend rhanedig = shared (out), divided, parted, split, separate rhannu = to divide, separate, part, divide
Old Cornish	radn = part, portion
Cornish (Kernewek)	radn = lot, part, portion, role, share ranna = to share
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rannaff = to share, separate, divide, pronounce, split
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rann [rãnː] = part, fraction, division, slot rannañ [ˈrã.nːã] = to share, separate, divide, pronounce, split ranned [ˈrã.nːet] = dividend ranngalon [ʁɑ̃nˈɡɑːlɔ̃n] = deep sorrow, desolation, heartbreak rann

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *per- (to sell) [source], which is also the root of such English words as depart, jeopardy, parcel, part, partition and portion [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷezdis = piece, portion
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuit [kudʲ] = part, portion, share cuit adaill, cuit adíll = a passing visit, a brief visit cuitigid = to share, partake
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuit = share, part, portion cuit(gi)d = to share, partake, participate
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuid [kɪdʲ] = part (of whole), share, portion, some, cuideach = wealthy, prosperous cuideachta = company, companionship, social amusement, fun cuideachtaigh = to bring together, associate cuideachtúil = companionable, sociable cuideachtúlacht = sociableness cuidí = component cuidigh = to share, help, requite, repay (usually for misdeed), do for, do away with cuiditheoir = helper, supporter, seconder cuidiú = to help, assistance cuidiúil = helpful, cocky, conceited
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuid [kudʲ] = portion, share, allotment, ration, effects, means, belongings, some (people), accommodation, victuals cuid-eigin [kudʲegʲɪn] = someone, somebody cuideachail [kudʲəxal] = helpful, constructive, subsidiary cuideachair [kudʲəxɛrʲ] = auxiliary, helper cuideachas [kudʲəxəs] = help, suppprt cuideachd [kudʲəxg] = company, society, throng, troop; also, too, jointly, together cuideachdadh [kudʲəxgəɣ] = accompanying cuideag [kudʲag] = small portion / share
Manx (Gaelg)	cooid = certain, some, stuff, assets, goods, helping, means, part, possessions, proportion, resources cooidjagh = accompanying, jointly, together, inclusive cooidjaghtagh = companion, companionable
Gaulish	*pettiā, = (?)
Pictish	*ᚚᚔᚈ (pit) = (a parcel of) land, a portion (?) – found in placenames like Pitlochry
Proto-Brythonic	*peθ = part
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	ped = thing, object
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	peth = thing, object
Welsh (Cymraeg)	peth [peːθ] = thing, object, material, suff, substance, device, instrument, personal possessions, belongings, tools, equipment, something, anything peth(eu)ach = (unimportant) things, trifles pethdod = thingness, thinghood, reality, substantiality petheiddio = to reify, make real or concrete
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	peth, pêth, peyth, pŷth = thing, something, article pethow = things, riches, wealth
Cornish (Kernewek)	pyth, peth [pɪːθ / pɛθ] = commodity, material, matter, possession, property, thing, that which, what, appliance pyth ha da, peth ha da = possessions pythek, pethek = concrete pythow, pethow = belongings, wealth
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pez, pezz = piece, bit, part
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pezh [peːs] = piece, bit, room, part, what pezhiad = (big) piece, piece (of) pezhig = (an) ugly piece

Etymology: unknown, possibly borrowed from a non-Indo-European substrate source [source]. Words from the same roots via Gaulish *pettyā and Latin pettia (piece, portion), include piece in English, pièce (room, patch, piece, play, document) in French, peza (piece, fragment, part) in Galician, pieze (piece, part) in Spanish, biisi (song) in Finnish, and ピース (pīsu – piece) in Japanese [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	písa, pissa = piece, fragment, coin
Irish (Gaeilge)	piosa [ˈpʲiːsˠə] = piece, bit, patch, piece-work, literary or musical composition, coin piosaáil = to piece together, patch
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pìos [piːs] = bit, piece, sandwich, piece, (musical) composition, hunk (person) pìosach [piːsəx] = in pieces / fragments pìosail [piːsal] = sexy, attractive pìosan [piːsan] = small piece / bit
Manx (Gaelg)	peesh = bit, cutting, patch, piece, length (of thread), parcel
Cornish (Kernewek)	pis = piece

Etymology: from Middle English pece (piece, morsel, bit), from Anglo-Norman piece (piece, bit, part), from Late Latin petttia (piece, portion), from Gaulish *pettyā, from Proto-Celtic *kʷezdis (piece, portion) – see above [source].

Proto-Celtic	darnos, darnā = piece, part
Old Irish (Goídelc)	drécht [dʲrʲeːxt] = portion, part
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drecht, drécht = part, portion, section; poem, literary composition dréchtach = numerous; skilled in song or poetry dréchtfaid = to divide up
Irish (Gaeilge)	dréacht [dʲɾʲeːxt̪ˠ]= part, portion, draft, detachment, number; (literary) piece, composition; draft dréachtach = composer, poet; skilled in/diligent at compostion dréachtaigh = to draft dréachtín = versicle, stanza dréachtóir = drafter, draughtsman (of documents)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dreachd [drɛxg] = draft dreachd-aithisge = draft report dreachd-dhealbh = working drawing
Manx (Gaelg)	draght, dreaght = draft draghtey = to draw up dreaght feeleeaght = a piece of poetry
Gaulish	*darnā = piece
Proto-Brythonic	*darn = piece (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	darn = piece, fragment, part darnaw, darnio, darnu = to break or tear in pieces
Welsh (Cymraeg)	darn [darn] = piece, fragment, part, coin, passage darn(i), darnu = to break or tear in pieces darn(i)edig = broken or torn to pieces darniog = broken, shattered, fragmentary
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	darn = fragment, piece pethow = things, riches, wealth
Cornish (Kernewek)	darn = bit, fragment, part, piece darnas = portion
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	darn = fragment, part darnaou = broken, very tired darnaouet = torn to pieces, very tired, bored
Breton (Brezhoneg)	darn [peːs] = fragment, part, some darnan, darnañ = to fragment, chip, shorten darnaou = broken, very tired darnaouin = to break darnek = partial

Etymology: from PIE *der- (to split, separate, tear, crack, shatter). The French word darne (steak, fillet) was borrowed from Breton darn (fragment, part, some). Words from the same PIE root include dermal, tear and tier in English, and tirar (to throw) in Spanish, zehren (to live on, feed on, undermine, wear out) in German, and драть [dratʲ] (to tear to pieces) in Russian [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

Calling Words

9th November 202113th September 2024 By Simon

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

words is various languages
Word cloud created with WordItOut

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lakes and Ponds

15th October 202115th October 2021 By Simon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Ale and Beer

12th October 202123rd September 2022 By Simon

Words for ale, beer and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*lindo- = drink
Gaulish	linda = drink
Old Irish (Goídelc)	linn [ˈl͈ʲin͈ʲ] = drink, liquid, brew, ale, beer, intoxicating drink lind = liquid, drink, ale
Irish (Gaeilge)	leann = (pale) ale, beer; liquid, fluid lionn = humour (of the body) lionndubhach = melancholy, depressed leannadóir = ale-merchant leannlus = hop leann bó = milk leann donn = brown ale leann dubh = stout leann piorra = perry leann sinséir = ginger ale leann úll = cider iarleann = small, weak beer seomra leanna = tap-room teach leanna = ale-house
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leann [l̪ʲãũn̪ˠ] / lionn [l̪ʲũːn̪ˠ]= ale, beer; humour (of the body); fluid, liquid lionn-dubh = dejection, melancholy lionn searbh = bitter (ale) lionn-ubhal = cider
Manx (Gaelg)	lhune = ale, beer lhune doo = stout, porter lhune freillagh = lager lhune jinshar = ginger beer lhune ooyl = cider lhune peear = perry lhune sharroo = bitter (beer/ale) shamyr lhionney = bar room, lounge bar, tap room thie lhionney = ale house, pub
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llynn = drink
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyn [ɬɨ̞n/ɬɪn] = drink, beverage, intoxicating liquor, cordial, juice; liquid, humour llyn afalau = cider, apple juice llyn y bustl = bile llyn gellyg = perry
Old Cornish	lin = fluid, liquid, lotion
Cornish (Kernewek)	lin = fluid, liquid, lotion lin-golghi = washing detergent lin leur = floor cleaner lin sebon = detergent, washing-up liquid
Old Breton	linnou = drink
Breton (Brezhoneg)	liñvenn = liquid

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

Proto-Celtic	kormi, kurman = beer
Gaulish	curmi, curmím, κόρμα (kórma), κούρμι (koúrmi) = beer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuirm = ale, beer
Irish (Gaeilge)	coirm, cuirm [kɞɾʲəmʲ] = ale, drinking-party, feast, banquet coirmeach = ale-drinking, festive coirmtheach = ale-house coirm cheoil, ceolchoirm = concert
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuirm [kurʲum] = feast, banquet, entertainment; ale, beer (archaic) co(i)rm = ale, beer cuirm-chiùil = concert cuirm-chnuic = picnic
Manx (Gaelg)	cuirrey = banquet, feast cuirrey kiaull = concert
Proto-Brythonic	kuruβ ̃, kurβ̃ = beer, ale
Old Welsh	curum = beer, ale
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kuref, kwryf, kwrwf, cwrwf, cyryw = beer, ale
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwrw [ˈkʊru / ˈkuːru] = beer, ale cwrw Adda = Adam’s ale, water cwrw casgen = draught beer cwrw coch = brown ale cwrw cychwyn = a drink of beer on setting out on a journey, one for the road coesau cwrw = a drunken gait (“beer legs”)
Old Cornish	coref, coruf = ale, beer
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	cor = ale, beer coref = ale, beer
Cornish (Kernewek)	korev, kor = ale, beer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	korev = ale, beer

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-Eurpean *kremH- (to burn) [source], or *ḱr̥h₃-m- (porridge, soup), or *ḱh₁erh₂- (to mix) [source].

The Latin word cervēs(i)a (beer) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, as do words for beer in several Romance languages, including Spanish (cerveza), Portuguese (cerveja), Galician (cervexa) and Catalan (cervesa) [source].

More about words for beer in European languages.

Irish (Gaeilge)	beoir [bʲoːɾʲ] = beer, a woman (rare, colloquial) beoir bhairille = draught beer beoir shinséir = ginger beer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beòir [bjɔːrʲ] = beer beòir chaol = small beer roipean beòir = beer moustache
Manx (Gaelg)	beer = beer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ber, berr, berre = beer, ale
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bir = beer, ale
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bier = ale, beer

Etymology (Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx): from the Old Norse bjórr, from the Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer), from the Proto-Indo-Eurpean *bʰews- (dross, sediment) [source].

Etymology (Welsh): from the English beer, from the Middle English bere (beer), from the Old English bēor (beer), from the Proto-West Germanic *beuʀ (beer), from the Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer) [source].

Etymology (Breton): from the French bière (beer), from the Old French biere (beer), from the Middle Dutch bier/bēr (beer), from the Frankish *bior (beer), from Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Hurdle Fences

4th August 202122nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for hurdles, fences and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*klētā = wattled frame, palisade, hurdle
Gaulish	*cleta = hurdle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clíath = hurdle, litter, stretcher, wattlework
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clíath = hurdle; wattle panels of walls, doors or gates; woven fence, palisade, outwork
Irish (Gaeilge)	cliath [klʲiə] = wattled, latticed, frame, hurdle, phalanx, staff, stave (music) cliathach = ribbed frame, engagement, battle cliathobair = wattle-work, wickerwork cliathóg = (small) hurdle cliathóir = hurdler, hurdle-maker cliathrás = hurdle race cliathreathaí = hurdler cliathreathaíocht = hurdling Baile Átha Cliath Dublin (“Hurdle Ford Settlement”)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cliath [kliə] = grid, lattice, grate, grating, shoal (of fish), hurdle, harrow, stockade, stave, staff (music) cliathag = small hurdle cliath-bhogsa = crate cliath-dhuilleag = spreadsheet obair-chliath = trellis
Manx (Gaelg)	cleeah = lattice, wicker, fret, darn, stave, staff, grid, stretcher, grate, grating, criss-cross, school of fish cleea = hurdle cleeader = hurdler
Proto-Brythonic	*kluɨd = palisade, hurdle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec	cluyt, clwyt = hurdle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clwyd [kluːɨ̯d / klʊi̯d] = movable hurdle, wattle, lattice, rack, crate, gate, door; protection, cover, defence clwydo = to wattle, weave, hurdle, tangle; roost, sleep clwydaid = a crateful, pannierful, kilnful clwydedd = door, gate clwydwaith = wickerwork, wattle clwydwr = gate-keeper, porter
Old Cornish	cluit = hurdle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cluit, clita = hurdle, wattle, crate, wattled gate
Cornish (Kernewek)	kloos = fence, rack
Middle Breton	klouet, cloet, kloued, klwed = hurdle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kloued = fence, barrier, gate, railings, grating, grid klouedenn = openwork, fence, skylight, harrow, portcullis

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱléyteh₂ (leaning, sloped, inclined) from *ḱley- (to lean, incline) [source].

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, clemente (lenient) in Spanish [source], clé (left) and cleith (pole, cudgel, wattle) in Irish, cledd (left hand/side) in Welsh, and related words in Celtic languages [more details].

Milk

13th May 202130th October 2024 By Simon

Words for milk, and related words, in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*laxto- = milk
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lacht [l͈axt] = milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	lacht [l̪ˠɑxt̪ˠ / l̪ˠaxt̪ˠ] = milk, yield of milk; tears lachtadh = lacation; flooding (of eyes) lachaí = nursling lachtach = lactic, milky; tearful lachtbhán = milkwhite lachtmhar = lactiferous, milky, abounding in milk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lac, lachd = sweet milk
Manx (Gaelg)	laghtveih = milk gauge, milk tester
Proto-Brythonic	*llaɨθ = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaeth = milk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaeth [ɬaːɨ̯θ / ɬai̯θ] = milk; milk-like substance, latex; milt, soft roe llaetha(f), llaethu = to yield milk, lactate, feed with milk, turn to milk llaetheiddrwydd = milkiness, lactescence llaethiad = lactation llaethlyd = milk-like, milky llaethog = milky, abounding in milk llaethogrwydd, llaethedd = milkiness llaethwraig = milkmaid, dairymaid, good milker llaethyddol = dairy, dairying y Llwybr Llaethog the Milky Way
Old Cornish	lait = milk
Middle Cornish	leth, leyth = milk
Cornish (Kernewek)	leth = milk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	laezh [ˈlɛːs] = milk

Etmology: from the Vulgar Latin *lacte (milk), from the Latin *lac (milk), from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵlákt [source].

Proto-Celtic	*mlixtus = milk
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mlicht [mʲlʲixt] = milch, in milk (of cattle)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	blicht = milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bleacht [bʲlʲaxt̪ˠ] = milk, milk yield
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bliochd [blixg] = milkiness, milk bliochdmhor [blixg(v)ər] = milky, full of milk bliochdach = milky, like milk, lacteous
Manx (Gaelg)	bluight = lactiferous, lacteal, galactic bluightagh, ollagh vluight = milking cows
Proto-Brythonic	*bliθ = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	blyth = milk lleurith = milk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	blith [bliːθ] = milch, lactating (of cow, etc), full of milk, in calf, in lamb, pregant, fruitful, productive, nourising; milk, dairy produce, lactation, dairying; profit, gain, advantage blithog, blithiog = milch, giving milk, full of milk, fruitful, productive, bearing offspring llefrith [ˈɬɛvrɪθ] = milk, new milk, sweet milk, fresh milk
Old Cornish	leuerid = milk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	livrizh = milk

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ml̥ǵtus, from *h₂melǵ- (milk, to milk) [source].

The Welsh word llefrith, which is used in North Wales, comes from llef (weak) and blith (milk) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bandyo- = drop
Old Irish (Goídelc)	banne = drop, pustule bannán = small drop, droplet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bannae, bainne, banne = drop, pustule, milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bainne [ˈbˠaɲə / ˈbˠan̠ʲə] = milk bainniúil = milky, milk-yielding bainniúilacht = milkiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bainne = milk boinne [bɔn̪ʲə] = drop, small quantity, liquid measure boinneag [bɔn̪ʲag] = droplet, little/small drop, (alcoholic) drink boinnean [bɔn̪ʲan] = droplet, wee drop
Manx (Gaelg)	bainney [banʲə] = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ban = drop (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ban, banna, banné = drop, a jot, the smallest portion of anything
Cornish (Kernewek)	banna = bit, drop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	banne, bannhe, bannech = drop, droplet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	banne [ˈbã.nːe] = drop, droplet, glass banneata = to drink shots

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to French bain (bath) in French, baño (bath, bathroom, toilet), bagno (bath, to swin, bathe, bathroom) in Italian, and bania (jug, can, container, churn) in Polish [source].

Other words for milk in Proto-Celtic include: *glaxtā-, *melgos-, *mlig-e/o-, *seigi- and *sutu-.

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

Juice

5th May 20215th May 2021 By Simon

Words for juice and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*sūgos = juice
Old Irish (Goídelc)	súg = juice, sap; vigour, energy, strength; essence, inner nature
Irish (Gaeilge)	sú [sˠuː] = juice; sap, vigor, energy; soup, broth sú caoireola = mutton broth sú circe = chicken broth sú crainn = (tree) sap sú na fíniúna = wine sú na heorna = whiskey (“juice of barley”) sú oráistí = orange juice sú tobac = nicotine
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sùgh [suː] = juice, sap, jus, stock, soup, broth sùgh an eòrna = barley water, whisky (poetic) sùgh an daimh = venison broth sùgh circe = chicken stock sùgh fheanntagan = nettle soup sùgh feòla = gravy sùgh glasraich = vegetable stock sùgh-measa = fruit juice sùgh meirbheach = gastic juices sùigh-pheuran = perry (pear wine) sùgh-ubhail = apple juice
Manx (Gaelg)	soo = sap, juice soolagh = juicy, pithy; sauce, juice soo foalley = meat essence, beef extract, gravy soo-mess = fruit juice soo ny braghey = malt whisky soo ny hoarn = ale soo-ny-hooyl = cider soo y ghailley = bile
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	svg / suc / sug = juice. sap
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sug = juice, sap, bodily fluid, liquid, moisture, gray sudd [sɨːð/siːð] = juice, sap, bodily fluid, liquid, moisture, sauce, gray, ketchup, syrup sudd afal = apple juice sudd ffrwyth(au) = fruit juice sudd oren = orange juice sudd y cylla / sudd cyllaol = gastric juices sudd yr heli = stock expression for something worthless sudd treulio / suddau traul = digestive juices
Cornish (Kernewek)	sugen = juice, sap, essence sugen aval = apple juice sugen frooth = fruit juice sugen kig = gravy sugen owraval = orange juice
Breton (Brezhoneg)	chug = juice chug-frouezh = fruit juice soubenn = soup soubenneg, soubennouer = (soup) tureen soubenn al laezh = quick-tempered (person) soubenn al lard = bacon soup soubenn an ognon = onion soup soubenn ar c’haol = cabbage soup

Etymology: from the from Proto-Indo-European *sug-/*suk-. The Latin word sūcus (juice, sap, moisture, strength, vitality) comes from the same root, as do related words in Romance languages, such as suc (juice) in French, sugo (tomato juice, sauce) and succo (juice, gist, pith, essence) in Italian, and jugo (juice, substance) in Spanish [source].

The English word succulent (juicy, lush, luscious), comes from the same Latin root, via the French succulent (succulent, juicy), and the Latin sūculentus (sappy, succulent) from sūcus (juice) and‎ -ulentus (full of, abounding in) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Bridges

16th March 202117th April 2024 By Simon

Words for bridges and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	drochet [ˈdroxʲed] = bridge
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drochet, drochat, droichet = bridge, causeway drochetech, drochetóir = bridge-maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	droichead [ˈd̪ˠɾˠɛçəd̪ˠ] = bridge droichead crochta = suspension bridge droichead tógála = drawbridge droichead meáite = weigh bridge droichead veidhlín = bridge of a violin droichead sróine = bridge of the nose
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	drochaid [drɔxɪdʲ] = bridge drochaid air fleodradh = pontoon drochaid-thogalach, drochaid-thogail = drawbridge drochaid-choise = footbridge drochaid-rathaid = road bridge, viaduct drochaid-thionndain = swing bridge
Manx (Gaelg)	droghad = bridge, bridge of ship, arch, gantry droghad aae = viaduct droghad cassee = swing bridge droghad coshey = gangway, footbridge droghad croghit = suspension bridge droghad keesh = toll bridge droichead meihaghey = weigh bridge

Etymology: from Old Irish droch (wheel, circlet) and sét (path) [source].

Gaulish	ponto = bridge
Proto-Brythonic	*pont = bridge
Cumbric	*pont = bridge
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pont = bridge
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pont, pynt = bridge, drawbridge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pont [pɔnt] = bridge, drawbridge, viaduct, aqueduct pontio = to bridge (a gap), to transition pont godi = drawbridge pont grog = suspension bridge pont trwyn = bridge of the nose pont y glaw, pont law = rainbow pont ysgwydd = collar-bone, clavicle pontio = to bridge, span, arch pont(i)og = like a bridge, arched of the nature of a bridge pont(i)wr, pontydd = a bridge-builder pontyddiaeth = bridge-building
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Cornish (Kernewek)	pons = bridge ponsfordh = viaduct pons travalya = travelling bridge
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pont = bridge
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pont [pɔ̃nt] = bridge, top of the furrow, culvert, trigger guard pontan, pontañ = to bridge, lay flat stones (on a ditch or stream) pont-tro = swing bridge pont hent-houarn = railway bridge pont dilestrañ = bridge, deck (of ship) pont kargañ = loading deck pont-tro = swing bridge

Etymology: from Latin pōns (bridge, deck), from Proto-Indo-European *pónteh₁s (path, road), from *pent- (path). Words from the same roots include pont (bridge) in French, puente (bridge) in Spanish, път [pɤt] (road, way, path, journey, way) in Bulgarian source].

Proto-Celtic	*brīwā = bridge
Gaulish	briua = bridge
Leptonic	𐌐𐌓𐌖𐌉𐌀𐌌 (pruiam) = funerary construction (perhaps a grave)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerw/*bʰrēw (wooden flooring, decking, bridge), which is also the root of the English words bridge and brig, and Brücke (bridge) in German [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Spanish (español)

Steps

Grace and Favour

Parts and Portions

Calling Words

Lakes and Ponds

Ale and Beer

Hurdle Fences

Milk

Juice

Bridges