Take Note!

7th September 2023 By Simon

Words for note, mark and related things in Celtic languages.

note, mark, sign

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	not = contraction, mark, sign
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	not, nod = mark, sign, sign of contraction in writing, note, bear in mind nodmar = significant
Irish (Gaeilge)	nod [n̪ˠɔd̪ˠ/n̪ˠʌd̪ˠ] = scribal contraction, abbreviation, hint nodaire = professional scribe nodaireacht = notation, profession of scribe nóta = (musical) note, brief record, annotation, short letter nótáil = to note (down) nótáilte = notable nótaire = notary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nòd(h) = note nòta = (written) note nòtachadh = annotation nòtaire = notary dubh-not = crotchet, quarter note geal-not = minim, half note cruinn-not = semibreve, whole note bun-nòta = footnote nòta-deiridh = endnote
Manx (Gaelg)	notey = note noatey = banknote
Proto-Brythonic	*nod = mark, brand
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nod, not, nôd = target, goal, aim, etc nottwy, nodi, notto = to mark, brand, seal, note, record nodidog = excellent, splendid, notable
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nod [noːd] = target, goal, aim, fame, renown, notoriety, mark sign, symbol, note, banknote, verse (in Bible) nodach = short notes, jottings, odds and ends, trifles nodadwy = noteworthy, notable, remarkable nod(i)af, nodi(o) = to mark, brand, seal, note, record nod(i)edig = noted, marked, appointed, set, specified nodidog = excellent, splendid, notable nodyn [ˈnɔdɨ̞n/ˈnoːdɪn] = target, aim, mark, token, note atalnod = punctuation mark, comma collnod = apostrophe ’ cysylltnod = hyphen – dyfynnod = ‘quotation mark’ ebychnod = exclamation mark!, sign of aspiration (h) hirnod = cîrcûmflêx hynod = remarkable, notable
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nôd, nos = mark, token notye = to note, observe, denote
Cornish (Kernewek)	nos = mark, token nos devyn = quotation mark nos -junya = hyphen nosedhek = notable nosya = to notate nosyans = notation noten = note notenna = to notate (music) notennans = notation notennyans = annotation noter, notores = notary, solicitor notya = to note notyans = memo notyes, notys = notable
Old Breton	not = note
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	not = note, mention notabl, notapl = notable notadur = notation, (religious) censure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	notenn = note not = note notañ, notiñ = to note notapl = notable notadur = notation

Etymology: from Latin nota (mark, sign, note), which is of unknown origin. Words from the same Latin root include note in English, note (note, mark, grade, bill) in French, Note (note, grade, mark) in German, and nota (note, memo, mark) 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, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Boats and Ships

31st August 202320th July 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	longā = boat, vessel longestā = fleet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	long [l͈oŋɡ] = boat, ship loinges = ships, fleet, expedition, exile longfort = camp, encampment, stronghold
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	long, longa = boat, ship, vessel, long-ship, galley; vessel, container; house; bed loinges = fleet, ships, shipping, naval expedition, invasion by sea, banishment, exile, band of sea-rovers, invaders loingsech = exile, banished man, wanderer, sea-rover, pirate loingseóir = seaman, pilot longphort, lonngport = camp, encampment, temporary stronghold, mansion, princely dwelling; stronghold, fortress
Irish (Gaeilge)	long [l̪ˠɔŋ] = ship, vessel, container, house longbhá = shipwreck longbhac = embargo (on ships), naval blockade longbhoth = (navel) dock longbhriste = shipwrecked longcheárta, longchlós = shipyard longfort = camp, stronghold, fortified residence longlann = dockyard longmhar = abounding in ships longtheach = boat-house longthógáil = shipbuilding loingeas [ˈl̪ˠɪɲ(ɟ)əsˠ] = ships, shipping, fleet, naval expedition, (band of) sea-rovers, banishment, exile loingseach = mariner, seaman, sea-rover, pirate, exile, wanderer; abounding in ships loingseoir = mariner, seaman, navigator loingseoireacht = seamanship, (skill in) navigation, (act of) seafaring, voyaging
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	long [l̪ˠɔuŋg] = ship longas = shipping, shipment longart = seaport long-adhair = airship long-bhriste = shipwreck long-chasgadh = embargo long-fhada = galley (ship) long-fhànais = spaceship long-lann = dockyard long-phort = seaport long-thogail = shipbuilding loingeas [l̪ˠɔiŋʲgʲəs] = shipping, fleet, ships
Manx (Gaelg)	lhong [loŋ] = ship, vessel lhong aer = airship lhong-chaardee = boatyard, shipyard lhong chrowal = hovercraft lhong liauyr = longship lhong-phurt = basin, seaport lhong spoar = spaceship lhong spooillee = pirate ship lhuingys = fleet, shipping lhuingyssagh = naval, navigable lhuingysser = navigator lhuingysseyraght = navigation
Proto-Brythonic	llong = ship, vessel llunges = fleet (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	loggou, log, llogeu, llong = ship, boat llongi = to embark, ship llongeidiev, llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llog porth, llogborth, llong-borth = seaport, haven, harbour long-dorr = shipwreck longhawl, llonghavl. llongawl = nautical, maritime, naval llongỼyr, llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner llyghes, llynghes, llynges = navy, squadron, convoy, fleet llynghesan = flotilla, small fleet or navy llyghessawc, llyghessavc, llyngesawg = naval, seafarer, leader of a fleet, admiral llyghesswr = seaman, sailor, seafarer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llong [ɬɔŋ] = ship, boat; the Great Bear (Ursa Major) llongaf, llongi = to embark, ship llongaid = shipload, shipful, shipment, cargo llongborth = seaport, harbour, dock, quay llongdor = shipwreck llongol = nautical, maritime, naval llongwr = seaman, sailor, mariner llong awyr = airship, aeroplane llong y diffeithwch, llong dir = ship of the desert, camel llong ofod = spaceship, spacecraft llong hofran = hovercraft llong danfor(ol) = submarine llynges = navy, squadron, convoy, fleet llyngesu = to sail llyngesan = flotilla, small fleet or navy llyngesol = naval llyng(h)esog = naval, seafarer, leader of a fleet, admiral llyng(h)eswr = seaman, sailor, seafarer
Old Breton	locou = ship, boat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, Geriafurch, TermOfis

Fearful dread

25th August 202327th November 2024 By Simon

Words for fear, dread and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	oβnus/obnu- = fear *exsoβnos = fearless
Gaulish	*exsoβnos = fearless
Old Irish (Goídelc)	omun [ˈo(ː)ṽun] = fear, dread, afraid airomun = great fear
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ómun, omun, ómain, óman, úama(i)n, úamun = fear, afraid, apprehensive, fearful, terrible omnach = afraid, easily frightened, timid, fearful, fear-inspiring esamain, essamain = fearless, bold, daring
Irish (Gaeilge)	uamhan = fear, awe, dread, terror uamhnach = dreadful, terrifying, fearful, timorous uamhnacht = dreadfulness, terror, fearfulness, timorousness uamhnaigh = to frighten, terrify, become afraid, fear, dread
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uabhann [uəvən̪ˠ] = dread, terror, horror uabhannach [uəvən̪ˠəx] = terrible, horrible, astounding, shocking
Manx (Gaelg)	owan = dread, fright owanagh = fearful, frightening, frightful
Proto-Brythonic	oβn [oβn] = fear exoβn [ɛxˈoβn] = fearless, bold *exoβneð = fearlessness, boldness, confidence
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ovn, ofuyn, ofyn, ofn = fear, terror, dread, fright, anxiety ofnadwy = terrible, fearful, frightful ovynna, ofni, ofnaf = to fear ofnedic, ofnedig, ovanedig = feared, terrible, dreadful, awful ovnawc, ofnauc, ofynawc = fearful, afraid, timorous, timid, apprehensive ofnus = fearful, afraid, timerous, timid ehon, ehovyn, ehofyn = fearless
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ofn [ɔvn/ˈoːvɔn] = fear, terror, dread, fright, anxiety ofnad = (a state/cause of) fear or anxiety ofnadwy = terrible, fearful, frightful, dreadul, formidable, awesome ofnaf, ofni = to fear, be afraid, hold in awem respect, revere; to frighton, terrify, scare ofnedig = feared, terrible, dreadful, awful ofnog = fearful, afraid, timorous, timid, apprehensive ofnus = fearful, afraid, timerous, timid eofn = fearless, dauntless, brave, courageous
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	own = fear, dread owna = to fear, dread, be afraid ownec, ownek = a timid person, a fearful fellow, a coward
Cornish (Kernewek)	own = alarm, fear, fright, scare ownek = afraid, alarmed, cowardly, fearful, scared, terrified, timid ownek, owenoges = coward ownekhe = to intimidate ownekheans = intimidation ownus = apprehensive
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	aoun, oun, eunë = fear aounic, aounich, aonic = timid aounus, eunus = fearful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aon [ɔ̃n] = fear aonik = timid aonikaat = to make or become timid aoniñ = frightened, scared aonus = fearful dizaon = fearless dizaoniñ = to stave off fear rouzaon =fright

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *h₂enǵʰ- (to constrict, tighten). [source].

Proto-Celtic	ɸowtus, awtos, *owtos = horror, fear
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úath [ˈo(ː)ṽun] = fear, horror, terror
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úath, uath = fear, horror, terror, spectre, phantom, terrible, horrible úathach, uathach, uathbas = horrible, dreadful úathmar, uathmar = dreadful, terrifying, horrible, awful airúath, erúath = dreadfulness, terribleness. terror, dread fúath, fuath = hatred, abhorrence fúathmar, fuathmhar = hateful, odious
Irish (Gaeilge)	uath [uə(h)] = horrible thing, horror (literary) uafás = horror, terror, astonishment, vast number or amount uafásach = horrible, terrible, vast, astonishing fuath [fˠuə/fˠɪə] = hate, hatred fuafar = hateful, hideous, odious fuathaigh = to hate, abandon through dislike fuathaitheoir = hater fuathú = to hate, abhorrence, dislike, distaste
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uabhas [uəh] = dread, terror uabhasach [uəvəsəx] = horrible, terrible, awful, dire, dreadful, destructive; very, terribly uabhasaich [uəvəsɪç] = horrity, appal uabhasachd [uəvəsəxg] = terribleness, awfulness, dreadfulness, horribleness, abominableness fuath [fuə] = hatred, aversion, antipathy, spectre, the fairies fuathach [fuəhəx] = abhorrent, detestable, loathsome fuathasach = dreadful, horrible, wonderful
Manx (Gaelg)	feoh = abhorrence, antipathy, aversion, disgust, hatred, loathing, phobia feohdagh = abhorrent, abominable, execrable, filthy, hateful, nauseous feohdoil = abhorrent, disgusting, hateful, horrible, horrid, invidious, loathsome
Proto-Brythonic	ʉθ, ọθ = horror
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	vthir, uthyr, vthyr = fearful, dreadful, awful, terrible uthraf, uthro = to astonish, amaze uthraidd, vthraidd = wonderful, wondrous, astonishing uthred, uthret = horror vthrawg = fearful, dreadful uthrol, vthrawl, uthrawl = frightful, dreadful, astonishing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	uthr = fearful, terrible, tremendous, mighty, overbearing, cruel, wonderful, wondrous, astonishing, excellent uthraf, uthro = to astonish, amaze, be astonished, terrify uthraidd = wonderful, wondrous, astonishing, excellent, frightful, dreadful uthrog = fearful, dreadful uthrol = frightful, dreadful, astonishing
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	euth = fright, horror uth = horror, fright, terror, awfulness uthec, uthyc = horible, frightful, terrible, awful uthecter, utheker = horror, frightfulness
Cornish (Kernewek)	euth = horror, panic, terror euthega = to terrify euthekter = terror euthvil = monster euthyk, ithik = abominable, awful, frightful, ghastly, horrible, terrible, terrific, tremendous
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	euz, eah, êuz, heuz = disgust, horror, aversion, fear euzic, euzyc = horrible, hideous
Breton (Brezhoneg)	euzh = abomination, atrocity, horror euzhadenn = monstrosity euzhidig = sesitive (to horror) euzhik = horrifying euzhiñ = to abominate, horrify euzhus = abominable, atrocious, formidable euzhvil = monster euzhwrac’h = chimera

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pew-. Possibly related to *oβnus (fear) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ecla = dread, fear ecal = cautious, fearful, timid
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ecla [ˈeɡlə] = fear, dread ecal, egal = fearful, timorous eclach = fearful, causing or inspiring fear, dreaded ainecla, airecla = great fear, terror
Irish (Gaeilge)	eagla [ˈaɡəl̪ˠə/ˈaɡlˠə] = fear eagal = fearful, timorous (person) eagalach =fearful, afraid, apprehensive, timid eagalaí = fearfulness eagalaigh = to become afraid, be afraid of, fear, frighten
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eagal [egəl̪ˠ] = fear, fright, timidity eagalach [egəl̪ˠəx] = fearful, timid, frightful, timorous, frightening, alarming eagalach feagalach = hairy scary eagalta [egəl̪ˠdə] = fearful eagalachd [egəl̪ˠəxg] = terribleness, dreadfulness eagalan = little coward
Manx (Gaelg)	aggle = fear agglagh = fearful, afraid agglee = to become afraid, be afraid, fear, appall

Etymology: from Old Irish ess- (ex-, out, dis-), from Proto-Celtic *exs (out), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁eǵʰs (out); and Old Irish gal (ardour, fury, valour), from Proto-Celtic *galā (might, ability), from *galnati (to be able), from Proto-Indo-European *gelH- (to be able, can) [source].

Words meaning to be able to in Brythonic languages, such as gallu in Welsh, come from the same roots [more details], as does the Irish word gal (ardour, valour, fury, vapour, steam) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Near and Close

9th August 202311th November 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *ad- (to, at towards), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd (to, at), and PIE *ǵʰes- (hand, to take, give in exchange) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include chiropractor, host, million, surgeon and words beginning with kilo- and milli- in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	nessais, nezdais = nearer, closer *nessamos = nearest, next
Gaulish	neđđamon = nearest (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nessa [ˈn̠ʲe.sa] = nearer, closer nessam = nearest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nes(s)a, nes(s)o, nes(s)u = nearer nes(s)a, nes(s)am = nearest
Irish (Gaeilge)	neas [nʲasˠ / n̠ʲasˠ] = approximate, near neasa = nearer, nearest neasach = proximal neasacht = nearness, proximity neasaigh = approximate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neasan† = next, or nearest place
Manx (Gaelg)	niessey = nearer s’niessey = closer, closest, nearer, nearest sniessey = adjacent, nearer, next, proximate niessid = contiguity, nearness, proximity, compactness
Proto-Brythonic	*nes = nearer (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nes = nearer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nes = nearer, until nessaw, nessaf, nesaf = neatest, closest, next (to) nessa, nesa, nessu = to draw near, come nearer, approach, bring near nes(e)d, nesset = as near as, so near, how near nesder = nearness, proximity
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nes [neːs] = nearer, until, till nesâd = an approach(ing), a coming nesaf = nearest, closest, next (to) nesaf, nesu, nesyd = to draw near, come nearer, approach, bring near nesed = as near as, so near, how near nester = nearness, proximity
Old Cornish	nes = nearer, near
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	nes, nês = nearer, near, again neshevin = neighbour nessa = nearest, next, hithermost, second nesse = to draw near, approach
Cornish (Kernewek)	nes = close, nearer yn-nes, en-nes = closer, nearer nesa = to approach nesadow = approachable neshe = to approach, close, near neshevin, neskar = next of kin, relative, cognate nesogas = approximate nessa = nearer, next, second, secondary nester = proximity
Old Breton	nes = close, next nesham = next
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nes = close, next nessaff = closest, next nessat = to approach, get closer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nes [ˈneːs] = close, next, intimate nesaat [ne.ˈsɑːt] = to approach, get closer nesadur = approximation nesaek = intimate nesaet = approximate nesañ [ˈnesː.ã] = closest, next, other nesañded = alliance, proximity, genealogy

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*atkʷe = and
Old Welsh	ha, hac, hay, ac = and
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ha, a, hac, hay, ac = and
Welsh (Cymraeg)	a, ac [a(k), a(ɡ)] = and, considering, in view of a(c) … a(c) = both … and, not only … but also
Old Cornish	ha = and
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	ha(g), a = and
Cornish (Kernewek)	ha(g) [ha(ɡ)] = and, plus, while hag erel (h.e.) = etc. hag oll = moreover
Old Breton	a, ha, hac = and
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ha, hag, ham, haz = and hag all, ha a, hag e-se = etc.
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ha(g) = and hag all (h.a.) = etc.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ét-kʷe. The Latin word atque (and, yet, nevertheless, as, than) comes from the same root [source].

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

Wheels

30th July 202320th April 2025 By Simon

Words for wheel and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*rotos = wheel, chariot
Gaulish	Rotomagos = placename* [see below]
Old Irish (Goídelc)	roth = disc, sphere, wheel rothmol = gyration
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	roth, routh = wheel, something circular or wheel-shaped, disc, sphere, circular brooch, wheel brooch, loop, noose roithled = the act of rotating or twirling roithlén = wheel roithreim = the rolling, rushing of wheels rothán = small wheel rothmol = wheel of a water mill, gyration, scrimmage
Irish (Gaeilge)	roth [ɾˠɔ(h)/ɾˠɞh] = wheel, bicycle rothach = wheeled, cyclic(al) rothadóir = wheelwright rothaí = cyclist rothaigh = to cycle rothaíocht = cycling rothán = small wheel, loop, ring, hank rothar = bicycle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	roth [r̪ˠɔh] = wheel, halo, crown (in a mill) roth-fiaclach = cog roth-gaoithe = ventilator roth-uisge = water wheel roth-mór = millwheel, ferris wheel rothag = small wheel, small circle rothaiche = wheel, cyclist rothair = bicycle, bike, cycle, roller, cylinder rothaireachd = cycling rothair-motair = motorbike, motorcycle rothalan [r̪ˠɔhəl̪ˠan] = person or animal running in circles
Manx (Gaelg)	roar = bicycle, bike roaragh = cyclist roaraght = cycling roar-bree = motorcycle roar-slieau = mountain bike
Proto-Brythonic	*rrod = wheel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rot, rod, rhôd = wheel
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhod [r̥oːd] = wheel, spinning wheel, waterwheel, cogwheel, (round) shield), sphere, circle, orbit, firmament, heaven, (wheel of) fortune, fate, course, circuit, round, district, world rhod ddŵr waterwheel rhod wynt = windmill rhodellaf, rhoedellu = to whirl, twirl rhodig = small wheel, rowel (of spur) deurod = bicycle (“two wheel”)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ros, rôs = circle, wheel
Cornish (Kernewek)	ros [ˈɹoːz] = wheel ros lovan = winch ros melin = mill wheel ros parys = spare wheel ros velin = millwheel ros-lewya = steering wheel rosella = to rotate, spin rosellans = rotation rosik = castor roskesya = roller skating roskis = rollerskates diwros = bicycle (“two wheel”)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rod, rot = wheel, spinning wheel rot melin, rod milin = millwheel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rod [ˈroːt] = wheel rod-avel = wind turbine rod-vilin = millwheel rodal = to do a cartwheel rodeg = cycle rodell = loop rodellig = small curl, bouclette

Etymology: from PIE *Hret- (to run) [source].

The city of Rouen, the capital of Normandy in northern France, gets its name from the Latin Rōtomagus, which was the chief city of the Veliocasses in Gallia Lugdunensis (where Rouen is now), and was borrowed from Gaulish, from the Proto-Celtic *rotos (wheel) and *magos (field) [source].

Other words from the same roots include words for to run in Celtic languages, the Welsh name Rhys, and rota, rotor and rotate in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*drokos = wheel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	droch [drox] = wheel, circlet drochet [ˈdrox(ʲ)ed] = bridge – from droch (wheel) and sét (path, way)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	droch = wheel, circlet drochet, drochat, droget = bridge, causeway
Irish (Gaeilge)	droichead = bridge
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	droch [drɔx] = coach wheel (obselete) drochaid = bridge
Manx (Gaelg)	droghad = bridge, arch, gantry

Etymology: from PIE *dʰregʰ- (to run, drag, pull) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include drag, draw (to pull, drag) and retract in English, and դուրգ (durg – potter’s wheel) in Armenian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*olēnā = wheel
Old Welsh	olun, olin = wheel, circular, to rotate
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	olwyn, olvyn, ōlwyn = wheel olwynnyawc, olŵynog, olwŷnog = wheeled, turning, revolving
Welsh (Cymraeg)	olwyn [ˈɔlʊɨ̯n/ˈoːlʊi̯n] = wheel, shaft olwyn gocos cog wheel olwyn ddŵr = waterwheel olwyn lywio = streering wheel olwyndro = cartwheel olwyndroi = to cartwheel, spin olwynfarch = bicycle olwyn(i)af, olwyn(i)o = to wheel, turn, revolve, roll olwyn(i)og = wheeled, turning, revolving olwynol = wheel-shaped, circular, revolving olwynur = bicycle olwynwr = wheelwright, cyclist

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *Heh₃l- (to bow, bend, elbow) [source].

Words from elbow in Celtic languages come from the same PIE root via the Proto-Celtic *olīnā (elbow, angle) [more details], as do the English words elbow and ulna (one of the bones in the forearm, a.k.a. elbow bone) [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	cuidhil [kiːlʲ/kiəlʲ] = spinning wheel (in Antrim)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuidheall [kujəl̪ˠ] = wheel, coil cuidheall-shnìomha = spinning wheel cuibheall-iteachain = bobbin wheel saor-chuidhleachan = wheelwright
Manx (Gaelg)	queeyl(l) = wheel queeyl chairt = cartwheel queeylit = wheeled queeyllagh = cartwheel, rotary, wheeled, wheeling queelylley = rolling, wheeling whirling daawheeyl = bicycle

Etymology: from Scots quhe(i)l (wheel), from Middle English whel (wheel), etc [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuibhle [kuilə] = wheel, coil cathair-cuibhle = wheelchair cuibhle-shnìomha = ship’s wheel, steering wheel cuibhlearachd = wheeling, rolling, coiling cuibhle = millwheel, ferris wheel cuibhleas = wheelhouse cuibhleag = small coil, small eddy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	whil, wil = wheel w(h)ilaf, w(h)ilo = to wheel, roll w(h)ilber = wheelbarrow w(h)ilberaid = wheelbarrowful w(h)ilber(i)o = to carry in a wheelbarrow whilbws = wheelhouse
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	wheyl, wheal, whél = work, wheel

Etymology: from English wheel, from Middle English whel (wheel), from Old English hwēol (wheel), from Proto-Germanic *hweulō (wheels), from PIE *kʷékʷlom (wheel) from *kʷel- (to turn) [source].

According to MacBain’s An Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language, the Gaelic cuibhle was borrowed from English [source].

Hard

27th July 2023 By Simon

Words for hard and related things in Celtic languages.

Hard

Proto-Celtic	*kaletos = hard, strong, cruel
Gaulish	Caleti (ethnonym)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	calad = hard, stingy, hardship
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	calad, calath, caladh = hard, stingy
Irish (Gaeilge)	caladh [ˈkɑl̪ˠə/ˈkalˠə/ˈkalˠu] = hard
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	caled, kalet, calett = hard, rough, cruel caledi, kaledi = hardness, hardship, adversity kaledwch, cledwch = hardness, severity, cruelty, callousness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caled = hard, rough, cruel, unfeeling, sore, severe, strict, thrifty, obstinate, abstruse, difficult, hardy, tough caledaf, caledu, caledo, cledo = to harden, dry, grow unfeeling or stubborn calededd = hardness, severity caleden = callus caledfyd = hardship, distress, adversity caled-galon = hard-hearted, callous caledi = hardness, hardship, adversity caledwch = hardness, severity, cruelty, callousness caledwedd = (computer) hardware
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cales, calas, calys = hard, difficult caletter, calatter = hardness, difficulty calessa, calassa = hardest
Cornish (Kernewek)	kales = difficult, hard, severe, tough kalesweyth = hardware kaletter = difficulty, hardness penn kales = obstinate, stubborn
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	calet, kalet = hard, deep (sleep) caletaat, kaletaat = to harden, toughen up caleded = hardness, toughness caleder, calletter, caleder = hardness, toughness, difficulty
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kalet = hard, raw, crude kaleted = hardness, toughness kaleter = endurance kaledenn = hard, callus

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱlH-eto- (cold), related to *kal- (hard) [source]. Words from the same roots include callus and callous in English, калити [kǎːliti] (to harden, temper) in Serbian, and callo (callus, corn, tripe) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	kroudis/krowdi- = rude
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crúaid = hard, harsh, stern crúadach = cruel, harsh crúaide = hardness crúadaigid = to harden, stiffen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crúaid, cruaidh = hard(y), harsh, stern, strict crúadach, cruadach = hard, cruel, harsh crúadagid, cruadhaigh = hardens, stiffens crúadáil, cruadhál = hardship, cruelty crúadóc, crúadhóg = hardship, strait, difficulty crúaide, cruaide = hardness, harshness
Irish (Gaeilge)	crua [kɾˠuə/kɾˠuəɟ/kɾˠuəj] = hard, firm, difficult, severe cruach [kɾˠuəx / kɾˠɔx] = steel cruachan = hardening cruachás = predicament, difficulty, distress cruachásach = in a difficulty, distressed cruacht = hardness, hardiness, stinginess cruara = hardware cruas = hardness, stinginess
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cruaidh [kruəj] = steel; stone anchor; hard, rocky ground cruaidh-chàs = danger, peril, difficulty, hardship cruaidh-fhortan = misfortune cruaidhead [kruəjəd] = degree of hardness cruaidheadh [kruəjəɣ] = solidifying, hardening, drying
Manx (Gaelg)	creoi = adamant, difficult, hardy, heartless, hard, solid, tough, bitter (frost), blistering (language) creoghey = to harden, forbear, set against creoighey = to harden, stiffen; hardening creoidys = hardihood, hardness creoighys = callosity, hardness, obduracy

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *krū- (blood), from Proto-Indo-European *krewh₂- (blood outside the body) [source]. Words from the same roots include crude, cruel and raw in English [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Beaks and Snouts

22nd July 202325th May 2024 By Simon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Thirty

13th July 2023 By Simon

Words for thirty and related things in Celtic languages.

thirty

Proto-Celtic	*trīkontes = thirty
Gaulish	tricontis = thirty
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trícha [ˈtʲrʲiːxo] = thirty tríchatmad = thirtieth tríchtaige = thirty day period
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trícha, triúcha, tricha, triocha, tricho = thirty tríchatmad, trichatmad, trichadmadh = thirtieth tríchtaige, trichtaigi = period of 30 days/years, etc tríchtach, tríteach = thirty-fold, consisting of 30 trícha cét = a military force, political or terrirtorial unit; of force of fighting men, cantred, barony (lit. ‘300’)
Irish (Gaeilge)	tríocha = thirty tríochadú = thirtieth na tríochaidí = the thirties tríocha céad = large territorial division, barony
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trichead [triçəd] = thirty tritheadamh (30ᵐʰ) = thirtieth (30ᵗʰ) na tritheadan = the thirties
Manx (Gaelg)	treead = thirty
Proto-Brythonic	*trigont = thirty
Old Breton	tricont, trigont = thirty
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tregont = thirty tregontad = about thirty tregontet, tregontvedenn, tregontvet = thirtieth tregontkementiñ, tregontvedenniñ = to multiply by thirty tregontvloaziad = a period of 30 years
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tregont [ˈtreːɡɔ̃n(t)] = thirty tregontved = thirtieth tregontvedenn = thirtieth part tragontad = around thirty

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tridḱómt (thirty) from *tri- (three) and *déḱm̥ (ten) [source].

Words from the same roots include thirty in English, tridhjetë (thirty) in Albanian, երեսուն [jɛɾɛˈsun] (thirty) in Armenian, trenta (thirty) in Italian and trente (thirty) in French, and words for thirty in other Indo-European languages [source].

Thirty is also trideg (three-ten) in Welsh in the decimal version of the numbers. For other words for thirty, see the post about words for ten, as thirty is 10 on 20 in the vigesimal system.

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

Twenty

11th July 202312th July 2023 By Simon

Words for twenty and related things in Celtic languages:

twenty

Proto-Celtic	*wikantī = twenty
Gaulish	uoconti = twenty
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fiche [ˈfʲixʲe] = twenty fichetmad = twentieth fichtige = twenty day/year period
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fiche, fichet, fichit, fichtea = twenty, a score fichetmad, fichatmath, fichetmudh = twentieth fichetech = pertaining to twenty fichtige = a period of twenty (days, years, etc)
Irish (Gaeilge)	fiche [ˈfʲɪhə/ˈfʲɪçə/fʲiː] = twenty (an) fichiú = twentieth
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fichead [fiçəd] = twenty, a score ficheadamh [fiçədəv] (20ᵐʰ) = twentieth (20ᵗʰ) fichead-shliosnach = icosahedron (a polyhedron with 20 faces) fichead-fillte = twentyfold
Manx (Gaelg)	feed [fiːdʒ] = twenty, a score feedoo, (yn) eedoo = (the) twentieth feed cheead = two thousand (twenty hundred)
Proto-Brythonic	*ʉgėnt = twenty
Cumbric	giggy, jiggit = twenty
Old Welsh	uceint = twenty
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ugein, ugeint, vgein = twenty vgeinvet, ugeinuet = twentieth ugeinwyr, vgainwyr, vgain-wr, vgain-ŵr = twenty men
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ugain [ˈɪɡai̯n/ˈiːɡai̯n] = twenty, score, twenty-pound note ugeinfed [ɪˈɡei̯nvɛd] (20fed) = twentieth ugeiniol = pertaining to twenty, denoting twenty ugeinw(y)r = twenty men
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ugans, hugens = twenty, a score
Cornish (Kernewek)	ugens, ugans = twenty ugensves = twentieth
Old Breton	ucent = twenty
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	vgent, uiguent, ugent = twenty ugentved = twentieth ugentvedenn = twentieth part ugentad = around twenty ugentvedenni, ugentvedenna = to divide by twenty ugentveder = a commemoration of 20 years ugentvederel = vigesimal (20-base numeral system)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ugent [ˈyːɡẽn(t)] = twenty ugentvet = twentieth ugentvedenn = twentieth part ugentad = around twenty

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dwi(h₁)dḱm̥ti (twenty) from *wídḱm̥ti (twenty) [source].

Words from the same roots include بیست‎ (bist – twenty) in Persian (Farsi), बीस (bīs – twenty) in Hindi and Nepali, বিশ (biś – twenty) in Bengali and વીસ (vīs – twenty) in Gujarati, and words for twenty in some other Indo-European languages languages [source].

Incidentally, the English words twenty, and words for twenty in other Germanic languages, are not cognate. Instead they come from the Proto-Germanic roots *twain- (two) ‎and *-tigaz (group of ten) [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

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