Sufficiently Enough

23rd October 2024 By Simon

This post looks into words for enough, sufficient and related things in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	ɸroweros = many, enough, sufficient laweros = many, enough, sufficient
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lór = enough, sufficient, sufficiency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lór, loor, lour, leór, lour = enough, sufficient, great, ample, adequate, competent; sufficiently
Irish (Gaeilge)	leor [l̠ʲoːɾˠ/l̠ʲɔːɾˠ] = sufficient, ample, go leor = enough, plenty leorchúiteamh = indemnification leordhóthain = sufficiency, plenty leorgnhíomh = full amends, reparation, restitution
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leòr [̪lʲɔːr] = satiety, sufficency gu leòr [gə l̪ʲɔːr] = enough, sufficient(ly), galore leòr-ghnìomh = satisfaction leòrachd = amplitude
Manx (Gaelg)	liooar = sufficient dy liooar = adequate, ample, enough, galore, sufficient, umpteen
Proto-Brythonic	*llower =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llauer, llawer = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llauered, llawered, llavered = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawer [ˈɬau̯.ɛr] = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llaweredd = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance llawerhau = to multiply
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lower, = many, much
Cornish (Kernewek)	lower = many, much lower gweyth = often

Etymology: the reconstruction of the Proto-Celtic root is disputed – both possibilities are given. *laweros is possibly from *leh₂w- (to seize, to gain, benefit, prize) [source], which is also the root of the English word lucre (money, riches, wealth), the Swedish word lön (reward, salary, wage), the Irish word luach (value, price, reward), and the Welsh word golud (wealth, riches) [source].

The English word galore comes from Irish go leor and/or Scottish Gaelic gu leòr [source].

Proto-Celtic	sātis = sufficiency, fill sāss-ā- = to satisfy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sáth [saːθ] = satiety sáith = fill (of food), sufficiency sáthech = sated, satiated, satisfied sáithigid = to satiate, satisfy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sáith, sáth, sāth = sufficiency, as much as one requires, fill (of food), customary meal, appetite sáthech, sathach, sāithech = satisfied, filled, content, flourishing sáithigid, saithigudh = to satiate, satisfy
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáith [sˠɑː(h)/sˠaːç] = (full) meal, feed, fill, sufficiency, enough sáithigh = to sate, satiate, saturate sáithitheach = saturating sáithiú = satiety, saturation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sàth [saː] = plenty, abundance, fill sàthach [saː.əx] = filling, satiating; satiated person, bellyful, plenty, enough sàthachadh [saː.əxəɣ] = (act of) sating sàthachd [saː.əxg] = satuaration
Manx (Gaelg)	saie = satiety, fill, satisfaction, replete, satiated saiaghey = to satisfy, saturate saieagh = satiating, satisfied saieid = satiation, repletion, glut saieys = satiety, repletion, sufficiency

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₂- (to satiate, satisfy) [source], which is also the root of sad, satisfy and satiety in English; satt (not hungry, satiated, full, done) in German; zat (fed up, drink, sated, full) in Dutch; sazio (sated, full up) in Italian, and sāts (moderation, satiety, fill) in Latvian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doíthin = sufficency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doíthin, doéthain, deothin = a sufficiency, enough doíthenach = satiated, satisfied
Irish (Gaeilge)	dóthain [ˈd̪ˠoːhənʲ/ˈd̪ˠɔhənʲ] = enough, sufficiency dóthanach = satiated, fed up, tired dóthanacht = satiety
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	daothain [dɯː.ɪn̪ʲ] = sufficency, fill

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dīkāneti = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	dicone = to do, make, act, perform
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	digaun, digawn, digaunt = enough, sufficiency, plenty diconher, digoni = to do, make, act, perform
Welsh (Cymraeg)	digon [ˈdɪɡɔn] = enough, sufficiency, plenty, abundance, adequate, plentiful, ample digoni = to do, make, act, perform, to satisfy, suffice, fill, satiate, digonol = adequate

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *dī- (from, of) and *kān- (sound) [source].

Breton words for enough, sufficient, etc include:

trawalc’h = enough (of), enough!
bast = sufficient
brasoni = sufficiency
sufis = sufficient, adequate

Etymology: unknown.

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

Deeply Profound

16th October 202416th October 2024 By Simon

This post peers into the depths of some deeply profound words in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	dubnos (adj) = deep dubnos (noun) = world Dubnowalos = a male given name* – “world prince / chief” Dubnogenos = a male given name* – “world born / family”
Gaulish	dumnos = deep Dubnorīx = a male given name – “world king”
Primitive Irish	ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚓᚅ (domngen), ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚔᚅᚅ (domnginn) = male given names
Old Irish (Goídelc)	domain = deep, profound, depth(s), sea-floor fudumain = profound(ity), depth Domnall = a male given name Domaingen = a male given name
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	domain, doimin, domun, domuin = deep, profound, intense, thoughtful, depth(s) doimnigid = to deepen, lower domne, domnae = depth(s) domun = the world, the earth Domnall = a male given name
Irish (Gaeilge)	domhain [d̪ˠɑinʲ/d̪ˠoːnʲ] = depth, deep, abyss, inmost part, profound, sunken, hollow, low-pitched, far, late domhainiascaireacht = deep-sea fishing domhainmhachnamh = deep thought, deep reflection doimhneacht = depth, deep place doimhnigh = to deepen doimhniúchan = (act of) deepening domhan = earth, world Domhnall, Dónall = male given names
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	domhain [dõ.ɪn̪ʲ] = deep, profound domhaineachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲəxg] = depth, deep, deepness, profundity domhainteachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲdʲəxg] = abstruseness domhan [dõ.an] = universe, world Dòmhnall = a male given name
Manx (Gaelg)	dowin = deep(ly), deep-rooted, involved, low, profound, secretive, thorough, penetrating diunaghey = to deepen diunid = deep, depth, gulf, rootedness dowan = world, earth, universe, cosmos
Proto-Brythonic	duβn/dumno = deep Duβnowal = a male given name* Duβnoɣen = a male given name*
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	duuin, dofn = deep Dumnagual = a male given name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dowyn, duvin, dwvyn, dwfyn, dwuyn = deep, dense dyfnu, dyfnaf = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with) dyfyn(n)der, dyuynder, dewfynder = depth(s), deepness dyfnddysc = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyuynvor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfynhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyuynwal, Dyvynwal, Dyfynwal = male given names*
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dwfn, dyfn [dʊvn] = deep, dense, mysterious, intense, serious, profound; depth(s), deep waters, abyss, void; world, earth dyfnu = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with), suck dyfnder = depth(s), deepness, bottom, thickness, abyss dyfnddysg = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyfnfor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfnhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyfnaint = Devon Dyfnwal = a male given name Dyfnien = a male given name
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	down = deep, profound, low downder = depth
Cornish (Kernewek)	down = deep downder = depth downfria = to deep-fry downhe = to deepen downrewi = to deep-freeze
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	dumn = deep
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	doun, don = deep dounhat = to deepen do(u)nder = depth
Breton (Brezhoneg)	don [dɔ̃ːn] = deep, hollow (plate, dish), serious (air) donaat = to deepen donañ [ˈdɔ̃ː.nã] = to deepen donded [ˈdɔ̃n.det] = depth donder [ˈdɔ̃n.dɛr] = depth Dunvel = a male given name

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubʰnós (deep), from *dʰewbʰ- (hazy, unclear, dark, deep) [source]. Words from the same roots include deep and dip in English, tief (deep, low) in German, dopen (to dip, immerse, name) in Dutch, dùgnas (bottom, background) in Lithuanian, дно [dno] (floor, bed, bottom) in Russian, and words for black in Celtic languages

The names Donald and Dunaldur (used in Faroese) come from the Proto-Celtic name *Dubnowalos [source].

Darkness

8th October 2024 By Simon

Words for dark, gloom and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*temeslos = darkness
Old Irish (Goídelc)	teimen = dark, obscure teimel, teimne [ˈtʲeβ̃ʲel] = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	teim. tem = dark teimen, temen, teimean = dark, obscure teimel, temel, temul = darkness, gloom, dejection, stain, blemish, fault, death
Irish (Gaeilge)	teimheal = darkness, gloom, tarnish, stain, smudge, trace, sign teimhleach = dark, gloomy, tarnished, stained teimhleacht = spottiness, smudigness teimhligh = to darken, obscure, tarnish, stain teimhlitheach = tarnishing, staining teimhneach = dark, opaque teimhneacht = darkness, opacity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teamhall [tʲiəv] = slight swoon, stun
Proto-Brythonic	temēl(os) = darkness tɨβ̃uɨl = darkness
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	timuil = darkness, gloom
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyll, tyỽyll = dark, opaque tywyllu, tyỽylla = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tewyllvc = to darken, grow dim tyỽyllỽc, tywyllỽc, tywylluc, tywyllwc = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywyll [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ɬ/ˈtəu̯.ɪɬ] = dark, opaque, blind, dim (of sight), obscure, neutral, darkness, gloom tywyllu = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tywyllhau = to darken, grow dim tywyllwch [ˈtwəɬʊχ/ˈtʊɬʊχ] = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness, eclipse
Old Cornish	tiwoulgou = darkness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tewal = dark, dusky, obscure tewlder, tulder = darkness tewolgow, tiwulgou = darkness, obscurity
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewal, tewl = dark, gloomy, murky, sombre tewlder = darkness, gloom tewlhe = to darken tewlwolow = dusk, half-light tewolgow = darkness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	temoel = dark, gloomy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	teffoal, teffal, teual = dark, gloomy teffalhat = to darken, obscure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	teñval [ˈtẽː.val] = dark, gloomy, sad, dreary, suspicious, deaf, unintelligible, incomprehensible teñvalaat [tẽvaˈlɑːt] = to darken, obscure teñvalded [tẽˈval.det] = darkness teñvalijenn [tẽ.vaˈliː.ʒɛn] = darkness, shadow teñvalus [tẽˈvaːlys] = dark, obscure, mysterious, sombre

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *témHos (darkness), from *temH- (dark) [source]. Words from the same roots include temerity, tenebrous (dark, gloomy, obscure) in English, tamsa (darkness) in Lithuanian, finster (dark, gloomy) and Dämmerung (twilight) in German, tenebre (darkness, obscurity) in Italian, and tiniebla (shadow) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorchae [ˈdorxɘ] = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaide = dark, dense dorchatus = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dorcha(e) = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaigid = to grow dark, eclipse, darken, obscure dorchatu, dorchato = darkness
Irish (Gaeilge)	dorcha [ˈd̪ˠɔɾˠəxə] = darkness, obscurity, dark, obscure, blind, secretive dorchacht = dark state, darkness dorchadas = darkness, secrecy, reserve dorchaigh = to darken, become secretive, reserved
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dorch [dɔrɔx] = dark, black, dusky, mysterious, obscure dorcha [dɔrɔxə] = dark, dusky, sombre, murky dorchadas [dɔrɔxədəs] = darkness, obscurity, mysteriousness dorchaich [dɔrɔxɪç] = darken, make dark
Manx (Gaelg)	doorey = obscurity, shade, eclipse dorraghey = dark, dusk(y), gloomy, enigmatic, mysterious, obscure dorraghys = blackness, darkness, obscurity

Etymology: uncertain [source].

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].

Sieving Riddles

15th July 20228th April 2026 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*krētros = sieve
Old Irish (Gaoidhealg)	críathar = sieve
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	críathar = sieve, riddle críatharach = marsh, morass, boggy wasteland críathrad = act of winnowing, sifting, riddling críathraid = sifts, riddles, spreads
Irish (Gaeilge)	criathar [ˈcɾʲiəhəɾˠ / ˈcɾʲiːhəɾˠ] = sieve, riddle criathach = pitted, perforated, swampy criathrú = winnowing, sifting, honeycombing criathradóir = winnower, sifter, maker of sieves criathraigh = to sieve, winnow, riddle, sift, honeycomb criathróir = animal surefooted on boggy ground criathar meala = honeycomb criathar mín = fine sieve
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	criathar [krʲiə.ər] = riddle, sieve criathar-tomhais = bushel (measure and implement) criathar-garbh = riddle (implement) criatharair [krʲiəhərɛrʲ] = sieve-maker criathradh [krʲiarəɣ] = (act of) filtering
Manx (Gaelg)	creear = sieve, riddle creearey = sieve, pan, sift, riddle creear meein = fine sieve creear garroo = rough sieve jannoo creear = to honeycomb
Proto-Brythonic	*kruɨdr = wandering, sieve
Old Welsh	cruitr = winnowing shovel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cruidir, crwydr = sieve
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crwydr [ˈkrʰʊɨ̯dr̩ / ˈkrʰʊi̯dr̩] = a wandering, a roaming; misfortune, trouble, confusion, rout, dispersion; a straying, aberration, error; winnowing-fan, winnowing-shovel, sieve crwydro = to wander, roam, stroll, gad about, stray, go astray, deviate, digress crwydredig = wandering, vagrant, roving, stray crwydro = barn, granary, farm building crwydrwr = wanderer, vagrant, vagabond, rover, nomad
Old Cornish	croider = sieve, riddle
Middle Cornish	croider, crodar = sieve, riddle
Cornish (Kernewek)	kroder = coarse sieve, strainer, riddle kroder kroghen = bodhrán, hold-all
Old Breton	croitir = sieve, riddle
Middle Breton	croezr = sieve, riddle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krouer = sieve, riddle, screen krouerañ = to sift, riddle, sieve krouer liammoù = link generator rakkroueriañ = pre-screening

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *krey-trom (sieve) from *krey- (to sift, separate, divide) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include crime, crisis, riddle and secret in English, ceart (right, correct, true) in Irish, and crynu (to tremble, shake) and ergryn (horror, dread) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sītlā = vase
Old Irish (Goídelc)	síthal = bucket síthlaid = to filter, sift, strain soithech = container, vessel
Middle Irish	síthal, sitheal = a vessel for drawing water, a bucket síthlaid, síthlaigid, síthóilid = to strain, filter, sift, scour, sweep across, flow away, melt soithech, soitheach = vessel, container (for liquids), blood vessel, boat
Irish (Gaeilge)	síothal [ʃiː(h)ˈl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ] = vessel for drawing water, pail, bucket (literary) síothlaigh = to strain, filter, drain away, subside, settle, expire, die síothlán = strainer, filter, colander síothlóir = (of person) strainer, filterer (person), weakly, dying person síothlú = filtration, percolation, subsidence, abatement, expiry, death
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sìol [ʃiəl̪ˠ] = compose, settle, filter, strain sìol(t)achan [ʃiəl̪ˠ(d)əxan] = filter, strainer sìoltag [ʃiəl̪ˠdag] = strainer, filter, sieve sìol(t)an [ʃiəl̪ˠ(d)an] = filter, strainer, sieve sìoltachair [ʃiəl̪ˠdəxɛrʲ] = filter feeder sìoltachadh [ʃiəl̪ˠdəxəɣ] = (act of) filter feeding
Manx (Gaelg)	sheeley = to flow, run, drip, trickle, dribble, seep, oose, filter, strain, drain sheelaghey = to strain off, to filter, to refine, clarification, sober
Proto-Brythonic	sidl, hidl = filter, sieve (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hidl, hidyl, hityl = filter, strainer, sieve hitler, hidlir, hidlaw = to strain, filter, purify, cleanse, percolate, pour, sprinkle, scatter, sift hidleit, hidlaid = strained, clarified, clear, flowing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hidl, hiddl = filter, sieve, strainer hidl(i)ad = straining, filtration, percolation hidlai = strainer, filter hidlaid = strained, clarified, clear, flowing hidlo = to strain, filter, purify, cleanse, percolate, pour, sprinkle, scatter, sift hidlwr, hidlydd = strainer, filter
Cornish (Kernewek)	sidhel [ˈɹɔːz] = filter, strainer, colander sidhla = to filter, strain, sift, sieve, percolate, purify, cleanse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	sizl = filter, strainer sila, sizla = to filter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sil [siːl] = filter, strainer silad = filtrate, grout siladenn = filtering siladur = filtering, filtration silañ = to filter silerezh = filtering, percolation

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- (to impress, insert, sow, plant), and influenced by Latin situla (a vessel used to hold water, a voting urn, basin, jar) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include siets (sieve, sifter) in Latvian, sito (sieve, filter) in Polish, (to) sow, season, seminar and seed in English, zaaian (to sow, plant seed, spread) in Dutch, sold (sieve) in Danish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	scacaid = to filter, sift, strain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scacaid, scacad, sgacadh = to strain, filter, sift, purify
Irish (Gaeilge)	scag = to strain, filter, drain off, refine, sift, screen, derive, spring (from a source) scagach = permeable, porour, thin, flimsy, sparse scagachán = filtration scagacht = porosity scagadh = filtration, refinement, assortment, critical examination scagaire = filter, screen, filterer, sifter, refiner scagaireacht = (act of) filtering, sifting, refining
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgag [sgag] = split, crack, chap

Etymology: possibly from Old Norse [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wokro- = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	goger, gogr, gogyr = sieve, riddle, screen, strainer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gogr [ˈɡɔɡɔr / ˈɡoːɡɔr] = sieve, riddle, screen, strainer gogrwr, gogrydd = sieve-maker, sifter gogru [ˈɡɔɡrɨ̞ / ˈɡɔɡri] = to sieve, sift

Etymology: from PIE *sker- (to separate, cut off) [source].

River Mouths

8th July 202122nd June 2025 By Simon

Words for estuary / mouth (of a river) in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*adberos = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Pictish	*ᚐᚁᚓᚏ (aber) = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	abar [ˈfʲilʲi] = confluence, river mouth
Irish (Gaeilge)	abar [ˈabˠəɾˠ] = boggy ground, morass abarach = boggy, muddy, sloughy abracht = boggy place
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	abar / obar = confluence, place where two or more streams meet; marsh, bog, fen
Manx (Gaelg)	aber = range, pasturage, river mouth, bunker, run
Proto-Brythonic	*aber [aˈbɛːr] = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Old Welsh)	oper, aper = estuary, mouth of a river
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aber = estuary, mouth of a river
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aber [ˈabɛr/ˈaːbɛr] = river mouth, estuary, confluence, bay, harbour, port, anchorage
Old Cornish	aber = estuary, mouth of a river
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	aber = confluence of waters, the junction of rivers
Cornish (Kernewek)	aber = river mouth
Old Breton	aperou = estuary, mouth of a river
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aber = estuary, mouth of a river, confluence, creek

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *ad- (to(wards), at) and *beros (bearer, flow) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*eni-berom = carrying in
Old Irish (Goídelc)	*in(d)ber = river mouth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	inber, indber, inbir = rivermouth
Irish (Gaeilge)	inbhear / inbhir [ˈabˠəɾˠ] = river mouth, estuary, firth inbhearach = having many estuaries
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	inbhir [in̪ʲɪrʲ] = estuary, river mouth, (internet) feed
Manx (Gaelg)	inver = estuary, river mouth

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *eni- (in) and *beros (bearer, flow), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source].

Notes
These words appear mainly in placenames such as Aberaeron, Abererch, Aberffraw, Abergavenny (Y Fenni), Abergynolwyn, Aberystwyth, Abergwaun (Fishguard), Aberhonddu (Brecon), Aberteifi (Cardigan), Aberdaugleddau (Milford Haven), Aberpennar (Mountain Ash) and Abertawe (Swansea) in Wales.

Aberdeen (Obar Dheathain) , Aberfeldy (Obar Pheallaidh), Aberfoyle (Obar Phuill), Abernethy (Obar Neithich), Arbroath (Aber Brothaig), Invergowrie (Inbhir Ghobharaidh), Inverkeithing (Inbhir Chèitinn), Inverness (Inbhir Nis), Inbhir Nàrann (Nairn), Inbhir Pheofharain (Dingwall), Inbhir Ùige (Wick) in Scotland.

Aber/Obar appear in Scottish placenames of Pictish origin, and may have been borrowed from Pictish. Inbhir/Inver appear in other placenames [source].

More details of placenames featuring Aber and Inver.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gáeth = the sea, a stream, an estuary
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gáeth, gáoth, gaoth = the sea, a stream, an estuary gáethlach = marsh, swamp
Irish (Gaeilge)	gaoth [ɡeːh / ɡiːh] = inlet of sea, estuary Gaoth Dobhair [ɡiːˈd̪ˠoːɾʲ] = Gweedore (a parish in County Donegal)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geodha [gʲɔ.ə] = inlet, cove, gully (by the sea), indent(ation)
Manx (Gaelg)	giau = creek, inlet, cove Giau Vooar ny Pershey = Persian Gulf

Etymology: possibly from the Old Norse gjá (chasm, rift, crack) [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

Birch (trees)

9th September 201929th August 2025 By Simon

Words for birch (genus Betula) in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	betwiyos / betuyā = birch (tree)
Gaulish	*betulla, bitu, betua* = birch
Old Irish (Goídelc)	beithe = birch (tree)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	beithe. beith = birch tree, birch wood, the letter b in Ogham (ᚁ) beithech = birch land, grove of birch beithe-luis(-nin) = Ogham alphabet (ᚁᚂᚅ) – named after the first few letters
Irish (Gaeilge)	beith = birch (tree), letter B in Ogham (ᚁ) beith gheal = silver birch (Betula pendula) beitheach = covered or planted with birches
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beithe [behə] birch, the letter B in Ogham, birch wood/forest beith-gheal = silver birch beith luis nuin = ABC
Manx (Gaelg)	beih = birch (tree) beih argid = silver birch beihagh = birch, birchen
Proto-Brythonic	*bedu = birch (tree)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bedw, bedỽ = birch bedwen = birch tree bedwaỽt = song of the birch, song of good omen betuerỽ = birch grove, place abounding with birch trees betguos, bedwes = birch grove
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bedw [ˈbɛdʊ / ˈbeːdu] = birch, birch grove, maypole, birch-rod bedwen = birch tree bedw arian = silver birch bedwerw = birch grove, place abounding with birch trees bedwos, bedwes = birch grove
Old Cornish	bedewen = birch
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bedewen = birch tree, poplar tree, aspen tree
Cornish (Kernewek)	besow = birches besowen = birch (tree) besow arghas = silver birch
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bedu = birches beduan = birch
Middle Breton	bezu = birches bezuenn = birch
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bezv [ˈbɛ(z)w] = birches bezvenn [ˈbe(z).vɛn] = birch bezveg [ˈbe(z).vɛk] = birch grove bezvenneg = birch grove bezvennek = abounding in birches

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʷetu-yo-s, from *gʷet- (resin, gum) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish *bitu/betua and Latin *betius, include betulla (birch) in Italian, bouleau (birch) in French, bedoll (birch) in Catalan, bétula (birch) in Portuguese, βετούλη (vetoúli – birch) in Greek, and abedul (birch) in Spanish. The botanical Latin name for the genus Betula (birch) also comes from the same roots [source].

To Choke

28th January 201927th August 2025 By Simon

Words for to choke and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	taketi/tageti = to choke, strangle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tachtad = choking, strangulation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tachtad, teachtadh = choking, strangulation tachtaid = to choke, stifle, strangle, hang, oppress, vex, seize, arrest
Irish (Gaeilge)	tacht [t̪ˠɑxt̪ˠ] = to choke, strangle,suffocate tachtadh = choking, stangulation tachtaire = choker, strangler tachtarnach = (act of) choking, choking sound
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tachd [taxg] = choke, smother, strangle, throttle, clog tachdach = choking, strangulation tachdadair [taxgədɪrʲ] = choker, throttler, strangler, choke, throttle
Manx (Gaelg)	toght = to strangulate toaghtey = to choke, strangle, throttle, clog; choking, strangulation, clogging toaghteyr = choke
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tag = choke, choking, suffocation, strangulation tagedic, tagedig choked, strangled tagell = jowl, wattle tacua, tagfa = choking, throttling tagu, tagy = to choke, stifle, strangle, throttle, suffocate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tag = choke, choking, suffocation, strangulation tagedig choked, strangled tagell = jowl, wattle, double chin, throat, windpipe, barb, snare tagfa = choking, throttling, bottleneck tagiad = choking, strangulation, obstruction tagu = to choke, stifle, strangle, throttle, suffocate; to cough (in North Wales) tagwr, tagydd = choker, strangler, choke (in an engine)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tag, tâg = choking, strangling taga = to stifle, strangle, choke, throttle
Cornish (Kernewek)	tag = choking taga = to choke, clog, strangle, suffocate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tag = acrid, strangulation tagaff = to attack, devour, suffocate, smother, strangle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tag [tɑːk] = acrid, strangulation tagañ [ˈtɑː.ɡã] = to attack, devour, suffocate, smother, strangle tagus [ˈtɑːɡys] = offensive, suffocation, acrid, acidic

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *tak-, which is also the root of tacit (implied) in English, taire (to be/keep quiet, shut up) in French, and tiga (to keep silent, deliberately ignore) in Swedish [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Shoulders

29th November 20189th March 2026 By Simon

Words for shoulder and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gúala = shoulder
Middle Irish	gúala, gualann, gūaluinn = shoulder gúaillech = shouldered, branched, branching gúaillid = companion, comrade gúalaire = load, burden
Irish (Gaeilge)	gualainn [ˈɡuˑəl̪ˠənʲ] = shoulder guailleadóireacht = (act of) shouldering, swaggering guailleáil = to shoulder, to jostle with shoulder, to lurch with shoulders, to saunter, to swagger guailleálaí = shoulderer, lurcher, saunterer, swaggerer guailleán = shoulder-strap, braces guailleog = epaulet(te) guaillí = companion guaillíocht = companionship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	guaille [guəl̪ˠə] = shoulder guailleach [guəl̪ˠəx] = pertaining to shoulders guailleachan / guailleag [guəl̪ʲəxan / guəl̪ʲag] = shoulder-mantle, shawl gualann [guəl̪ˠən̪ˠ] = shoulder, corner of a house, tack (nautical), brow (geography), shoulder (of mutton), shaft (of a cart), curve of a (ship’s) bow
Manx (Gaelg)	geaylin = shoulder, corner (of house) geayliney = shoulder geaylinagh = shouldered geaylaig = epaulette

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gew- (to bend, curve, arch, vault) [source]. Words from the same roots include cuttlefish, gown, kidney, chitterling and gyration in English, Kuhle (hollow, depression) in German, kiel (keel) in Dutch, gonna (skirt) in Italian, and keula (bow, prow) in Finnish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*skēdos = wing, shoulder
Old Irish (Goídelc)	scíath = wing
Middle Irish	scíath = wing scíathán, sgíthéan, sgiathán = wing scíathánach = winged
Irish (Gaeilge)	sciathán [sˠciəˈhɑ̃ːn̪ˠ] = wing, side, extension, part, piece, arm sciathánach = winged, long-armed An tOileán Sciathánach = Isle of Skye
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgiath [sgʲiə] =wing, fin sgiathan [sgʲiahan] = small wing sgiathach [sgʲiəhəx] = pertaining to shoulders sgiathadaich [sgʲiəhədɪç] = fluttering sgiathadh [sgʲiəhəɣ] = (act of) flying sgiathag [sgʲiəhag] = little wing sgiathaire [sgʲiə.ɪrʲə] = winger (in sports) An t-Eilean Sgitheanach = Isle of Skye
Manx (Gaelg)	skian [skʲiən] = wing, pinion, mudguard, baffle skianagh = winged, finned, pinioned, winged creature Ellan Skianagh = Isle of Skye
Proto-Brythonic	*skuïð = shoulder
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	iscuid = shoulder
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ysgwyt, ysgwyd, ysgỽyd = shoulder ysgwydawc, yscwyddoc, ysgwyddoc = shoulder(-blade), (upper part of) arm, shoulder (meat), having shoulders
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgwydd [ˈəsɡwɨ̞ð / ˈəsɡʊi̯ð] = shoulder ysgwyddo = to shoulder, push with the shoulder(s), hustle, jostle, support, shrug ysgwyddiad = standing out, jutting out, projection, protusion, cornice ysgwyddog = shoulder(-blade), (upper part of) arm, shoulder (meat), having shoulders ysgwyddol = scapular, like a shoulder in shape
Old Cornish	scuid =shoulder
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	scuid, scudh, scoudh, scôdh, scûdh = shoulder scuidlien = a hood
Cornish (Kernewek)	skoodh [sko:ð / sku:ð] = shoulder skoodhya = to assist, back, help, second, support skoodhyans = assistance, help, support skoodhyer = assistant, exponent, fan, supporter
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scoaz = shoulder
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skoaz [ˈskwɑː(s)] = shoulder, help skoazek = (person) with broad shoulders, killer whale skoazell [ˈskwɑː.(z)ɛl] = help, assistance skoazellañ [skwa.ˈ(z)ɛ.lːã] = to help, to rescue, to subsidize skoazeller = assistant, helper, auxiliary skoaziañ [ˈskwa(z)jã] = to support, to help, to assist

Etymology: unkown, possibly from Proto-Indo-European *skeyd- (to split, divide) [source].

Lips, Mouths & Throats

8th November 20184th November 2025 By Simon

Words for lip, mouth, throat and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*weblos = lip
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bél [bʲeːl] = lip, mouth, opening belach = gap, pass, road bélat = crossroads bélbach = horse’s bit bélrae = speech, language
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bél, beoil, beóil, beolu, beula = lip, mouth, edge, rim, orifice, opening belach, bealach, beluch = gap, pass, defile, (narrow) passage, road, path, way bélaire = reciter bélairecht = (oral) tradition bélat, belach = place where several roads meet, crossway, pass, frontier bélbach = horse’s bit bélrae = speech, language, people, nation
Irish (Gaeilge)	béal [bʲia̯l̪ˠ / bʲeːlˠ] = mouth, opening, entrance, lip, edge, sound, front, face, beginning béalach = loquacious, loose-tongued béalán = mouthful béalbhinn = mellifluous, flattering béalóg = small opening, gap, mouthpiece, grip, bite, mouthful, muzzle béaloideas = oral tradition, folklore béaltais = soft-lipped, bland, damp, drizzly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beul [bial̪ˠ] = mouth, beginning, opening, edge, gunwale, oral beulach [bial̪ˠəx] = plausible, two-faced, talkative, smooth-talking beulachas [bial̪ˠəxəs] = flattery, being mealy-mouthed beuladair [bial̪ˠədɪrʲ] = gossip (person) beulaiche [bial̪ʲɪçə] = speaker, talker, reciter, newsmonger beulas [bial̪ˠəs] = prattling, babbling, orality
Manx (Gaelg)	beeal [ˈbiəl] = mouth, muzzle, rictus, flue, outlet, orifice, cone, crater, rim, approach, passage beealagh = imprudent, impudent, thick-lipped beealeraght = babble, chatter, talk beealerey = babbler, talkative person beealragh(yn) = (horse’s) bit, snaffle

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gíall [ˈɡʲiːa̯l̪] = jaw
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gíall, giall = jaw
Irish (Gaeilge)	giall [ɟiəl̪ˠ] = jaw, cheek, (door) jamb, corner (of gable-end) giallach = jaw-like, long-jawed giallachán = a long-jawed / lantern-jawed person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	giall [gʲiəl̪ˠ] = jaw, jowl, gill
Proto-Brythonic	*gweβl = lip
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guefl, gwefl, gwefyl = lip, jaw(s)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwefl = lip, jaw(s) gweflaf, gweflu, gweflo = to grin, grimace, pout, fret, snivel, blubbler, mouth (sth) gweflaid = mouthful gwefliad = labial gweflog = large-lipped, blubber-lipped, thick-lipped gweflwr = pouter, flatterer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwelv = lip
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gweol = lip

Etymology: possibly from or related to Old English ċeafl (jaw, cheeck, bill, beak, snout), from Proto-West Germanic *kafl (jaw, cheek), from Proto-Germanic *kaflaz (jaw), from PIE *ǵep- (to eat, chew). Words from the same roots include jowl in English, gueule (gullet, snout, face, mouth) in French, and kæbe (jaw) in Danish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bussus = lip
Gaulish	*bussus = lip (?)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bus = lip
Irish (Gaeilge)	pus [pˠʊsˠ / pˠʌsˠ] = (protruding) mouth, sulky expression, pout, snout pusach = pouting, in a huff, whimpering, ready to cry pusachán = pouter, sulky person, sucking calf pusaire = sulky person, blubberer pusaireacht = (act of) pouting, sulking puisín = lip, calf’s muzzle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bus [bus] = mouth, cheek, lip, muzzle, snout, grimace, pout busach [busəx] = glum, sullen, pouting, blunt busag [busag] = slap on the mouth, smacking kiss, smack, dummy (sucking preventer)
Manx (Gaelg)	puiss = cheek, jowl, muzzle, pout puissagh = pouting, sullen, puffy, chubby
Proto-Brythonic	*gweβus =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gueus, gwëus, gweus = (human) lip, edge, brim, language, speech
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwefus, gwëus, gweus = (human) lip, edge, brim, language, speech gwefuso = to lip, touch with the lips, kiss, murmur, utter gwefusflew = moustache gwefusog = having (large) lips, large-lipped
Old Cornish	gueus = lip
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gueus, gweuz = lip
Cornish (Kernewek)	gweus = lip
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	geux, gueux, gueus = lip gueusiec, gueusyec = lippy, blubber-lipped
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gweuz [ˈɡwøːs / ˈɡɥøːs] = lip, labial gweuzek [ˈɡɥøːzɛk / ˈɡwøːzɛk] = lippy, blubber-lipped, labiate gweuzkenn = lip, pout

Etymology: uncertain, possibly a sound-symbolic word [source].

Proto-Celtic	monis = neck moniklos = neck
Old Irish (Goídelc)	muinél = neck, narrow part
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	muinél, muinel, muineol = neck, narrow part
Irish (Gaeilge)	muineál [ˈmˠɪnɑːl] = neck muineálach = of the neck, cervical, long-necked
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muineal [mun̪ʲəl̪ˠ] = neck muinealach [mun̪ʲəl̪ˠəx] = necked, long-necked
Manx (Gaelg)	mwannal [ˈmonal] = neck mwannalagh = cheeky, impudent, long-necked, giraffe
Proto-Brythonic	*munugl = neck
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mvnugyl, mwnvgyl, mynwgyl, mwnwgl = neck, throat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mwnwg(l), mynwgl [ˈmʊnʊɡl] = neck, throat, instep, collar, necklace mwnwglwair = torque, collar mwnwg(l) y troed = instep

Etymology: from PIE *mónis (neck), from *mon- (neck, nape). Words from the same roots include mane in English, Mähne (mane) in German, and maan (mane) in Dutch [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wodwos = spoils
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fodb = spoils
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fodb, fadb = booty, spoils
Irish (Gaeilge)	fadhbh = dead man’s possessions, plunder, spoils (literary) fadhbhach = spoil-laden faofa = stripped, despoiled, bare, naked
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fadhbh [fɤːv] = spoils, booty (esp. of a dead person), windfall fadhbh a’ chogaidh = the spoils of war fadhbhachadh [fɤːvəxəɣ] = (act of) stripping (bare), denuding, despoiling, plundering, looting
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gedueu, gwdwc, gwdyf, gwdwf, gwddw = neck, crag, throat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwddf, gwddw(g) [ɡʊðv / ˈɡuːðu(g)] = neck, crag, throat gyddfol [ˈɡəðvɔl] = jugular, gutteral, throaty, hoarse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guodoc = throat, neck
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gouzouc = throat, neck
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouzoug = throat, neck

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to Proto-Celtic *wodwo- (cutting), from Proto-Indo-European *wedʰH- (strike) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ceg, ceeg, cêg = throat, gullet, windpipe, neck, mouth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceg [keːɡ] = throat, gullet, windpipe, neck, mouth, opening, entrance, roup, pip, thrush cega(f), cegu, cego = to swallow, consume greedily, guzzle, gulp, choke, throttle, scold, wrangle, gossip, shout cegaid = mouthful, draught cegen = gorge, gullet, windpipe cegog = mouthy

Etymology: possibly from Old English ċēce (jaw, jawbone, cheek), from Proto-West Germanic *kākā (jaw, cheek), from Proto-Germanic *kēkǭ. The English words cheek and choke come from the same roots, as does kaak (jaw, cheek, gill) in Dutch [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Tag: etymology

Sufficiently Enough

Deeply Profound

Darkness

Near and Close

Sieving Riddles

River Mouths

Birch (trees)

To Choke

Shoulders

Lips, Mouths & Throats