Gritty Gravel

11th November 202411th November 2024 By Simon

Words for gravel, grit and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*griyano- = gravel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	grïan [ˈɡʲrʲi.an] = gravel, sand, river bottom, sea floor grindell = gravel, lake bed, sea bed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	grian, grían = gravel, sand, sea or river bottom, basis, foundation, earth, land grenach, grenaig = gravel grindell, grinnell, grinneal = sea or lake bed, gravel, bedrock, foundation, floor, bottom
Irish (Gaeilge)	grean [ɟɾʲan̪ˠ] = gravel, grit, coarse sand; to engrave grian = (sea, lake, river) bottom, earth, surface grianach = gravelly greanach = gravel, gravelly spoil, gritty greanadh = engraving, shapeliness, shape, figure greanadóir = engraver greanadóireacht = engraving greanchloch = gritstone, millstone grineall = (sea, lake, river) bed, bedrock, depth, foundation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	grean [grʲɛn̪] = (river / lake) bed, gravel, coarse sand grean-aibhne = riverbed grinneal [grʲin̪ʲəL] = gravel, grit, (river / sea) bottom grinnealach = deep, gulfy, gravelly, sabulous (sandy or gritty) grinnealachd = grittiness
Manx (Gaelg)	grineen = bead, granule, grit, pinch grineenagh = gritty, grained, grainy, granulated, granulous grineenid = grittiness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	graean, grayan, graeeyn = gravel, coarse sand, shingle, grit, grain, granule graenauc, graeanog, graianoc = gravelly, full of gravel, harsh, grating
Welsh (Cymraeg)	graean [ˈɡreɨ̯.an / ˈɡrei̯.an] = gravel, coarse sand, shingle, grit, grain, granule grae(a)nog = gravelly, full of gravel, harsh, grating graeanu = to (spread) gravel (over), to granulate, scour, grit

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to Proto-Celtic *grāwā (gravel, pebbles) – see below [source].

Proto-Celtic	*grāwā = gravel, pebbles
Irish (Gaeilge)	griothal = gravel, gravelly soil griothalach = gravelly, gritty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	grothal = gravel
Proto-Brythonic	*grọw = gravel, pebbles
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gro = gravel, shingle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gro = gravel, shingle grodir, gro dir = gravelly land, sandy soil, grave
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gro [ɡroː] = gravel, shingle, gravelly shore, strand grobwll = gravel pit, grave grodir = gravelly land, sandy soil, grave
Old Cornish	grou = gravel, sand
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	grow = gravel, sand
Cornish (Kernewek)	grow = gravel growan = granite growanen = pebble growen = gravel
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	grean, grouan = gravel grouanec = gravelly, grave pit groanenn = piece of gravel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	grouan [ˈɡruːãn] = gravel grouanañ = to engrave grouaneg = gravelly, grave pit grouanenn = piece of gravel grouanus = gravelly

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʰroh₁weh₂, from *gʰreh₁w- (to grind).
Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots include grava (gravel) in Catalan, grève (flat, sandy land along the sea or a large river) in French, grava (gravel) in Spanish, and grave (gravel, shore, gravelly ground) in Occitan [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include: grit, groat, grout and gruel in English, Grieß (semolina) in German, grjót (coarse stones, rubble) in Icelandic, gryt (a badger’s sett, a fox’s den) in Swedish, riutta (reef) in Finnish, and grúodas (frozen mud or earth) in Lithuanian [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	graibél = gravel, sand
Irish (Gaeilge)	gairbhéal = gravel gairbhéalach = gravelly gairbhéalta = gravelled
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	greabhal = gravel
Manx (Gaelg)	garvel = gravel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	grafel, gravael, gravel = gravel
Welsh (Cymraeg)	graf(a)el = gravel grafelu, grafaelio = to sprinkle with gravel, make sore by chafing graf(a)eliog = gravelly

Etymology: from English gravel or Middle English gravel / gravail(le) (sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles), from Old French gravele (gravel), a diminutive of grave (gravel, seashore), from Medieval Latin grava, possibly from Gaulish grava, from Proto-Celtic grāwā (gravel, pebbles), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰroh₁weh₂, from *gʰreh₁w- (to grind) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Spinning, Twisting & Turning

2nd October 2024 By Simon

Words for spin, twist, turn and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	snīmus = spinning, weaving sniyeti = to turn, twist
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sníïd = to twist sním = spinning, twisting, vexation grief, anxiety
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sníïd, sníit = to twists, bend, tie, contend, struggle, grieve, trouble, vex sním, snim = twisting, bending, shaping, trouble, care, grief, anxiety snímaid = to spin, twist
Irish (Gaeilge)	sníomh [ʃnʲiːvˠ/ʃnʲiːw] = spinning, twisting, twinning, struggle, strain, wrench, cre, anxiety; to spin, twist, strain, wrench, strive, struggle sníomhach = spinning, turning, twisting, anxious, concerned sníomhachán = (act of) spinning sníomhadán = spinneret sníomhaí = spinner sníomhaire = spindle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	snìomh [ʃn̪ʲĩə̃v] = spinning, winding, wreathing, twisting, twining, twist, curl, sprain, wrench snìomhach [ʃn̪ʲiəvəx] = twisting, winding, spiral, tortuous, twisted snìomhachan [ʃn̪ʲəvəxan] = spinner (implement) snìomhadh [ʃn̪ʲĩə̃vəɣ] = spinning, winding, wreathing, twising snìomhaire [ʃn̪ʲiəvərʲə] = borer, auger, spinner snìomhte [ʃn̪ʲĩə̃vdʲə] = spin, entwined, twisted
Manx (Gaelg)	snee = crossness, offence, vexation sneeu = spin, spinning queeyl sneeuee = spinning wheel sneeuder = spinner
Proto-Brythonic	*nɨðid = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nydd = spin, twist, perverseness, obstinacy, agitation, difficulty nydu [ˈnəðɨ/ˈnəði] = to spin (wool), twist, wind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nydd [nɨːð/niːð] = spin, twist, perverseness, obstinacy, agitation, difficulty, honeysuckle, spun nyddu [ˈnəðɨ/ˈnəði] = to spin (wool), twist, wind nydd(i)wr = spinner, spinning-machine, nightjar, grasshopper warbler nyddlin = a spiral
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nedhe, nedhé = to spin, turn, twist
Cornish (Kernewek)	nedha = to twist
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nezaff = to spin, trick, fool, purr
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nez = twist, twisting nezadenn = spun thing nezadur = wiring nezañ [ˈneː(z)ã] = to spin, trick, fool, purr nezer = spinner nezerezh = spinning

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *(s)neh₁- (to spin, sew). Words from the same roots include needle, snood in English, naald (needle, pin) in Dutch, nähen (to sew) in German, snáth (thread, yarn, web) in Irish, and possibly snop (sheaf) in Czech [source].

See also the Pins & Needles post for some Celtic words related to needles, pins and thread.

Proto-Celtic	*kassos = curly, twisted, woven
Gaulish	kass- = twist kassis = curly (hair) *kassanos = oak (tree/wood)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cas = curly (haired) casaid = to twist, turn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cas, cass = curly (hair) casaid, casaidh = to twist, bend
Irish (Gaeilge)	cas [kɑsˠ] = twisted, winding, curly, complicated, intricate, twisty, devious; to twist, turn, wind casadh [ˈkɑsˠə/ˈkasˠu(ː)] = to twist, turn, wind, spin, reproach
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cas [kas] = twist, bend, wind (up), gnash, oppose, turn against casadh [kasəɣ] = (act of) opposing, turning against, twisting, bending, gnashing casta [kasdə] = twisted, twined, curled, complex
Manx (Gaelg)	cassit = contorted, distorted, twirled, twisted cassee = coiling, twisting, winding cassey = to curl, distort, screw, spin, whirl cast = curly, curved, intricate, spun, warped, wrapped

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *kes- (to scrape, comb) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish kassanos (oak) and Latin casnus, include casse (oak) in Occitan, cassanella (gall) in Catalan and chêne (oak) in French [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include hair in English, коса (kosa – hair) in Bulgarian, and kasa (braid) in Latvian [source].

See the Weaving Words post for some weaving-related Celtic words.

Proto-Brythonic	*tro = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tro = rotation, revolution, turn(ing), stir(ing), twist, warp troat, troad, troead = rotation, revolution, orbit, turn(ing) troy, try, troi = to turn, spin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tro [troː] = rotation, revolution, turn(ing), stir(ing), twist, warp, coil, ringlet tro(e)ad = rotation, revolution, orbit, turn(ing), stir(ing), twist, convolution, hinge tro(a)f, troi = to turn, spin, whirl, rotate, roll
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tro = turn, circuit, occasion, manner, sort troillia = to turn, whirl
Cornish (Kernewek)	tro = cycle, occasion, round, turn troyll = spiral, swirl, ceilidh troyllya = to spin, swirl troyllyek = spiral troyllyer plasennow = record player
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	tro = movement, turn tro(u)im = to turn, spin
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tro = round, surround, surroundings treiff = to turn, move
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tro [troː] = round, surround, surroundings tro-dro [troˈdroː] = around, towards treiñ = to spin

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to Latin torqueo (I turn) or Ancient Greek τρόπος (trópos – a turn) [source].

Furrowed Trenches

31st August 202431st August 2024 By Simon

Words for furrow, trench and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	ɸrikā = furrow enterɸrikyā = furrow
Gaulish	rikā/ricā = furrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rech = furrow etrech = furrow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	etarche, etrige, eitre = furrow, groove, channel
Irish (Gaeilge)	eitre [ˈɛtʲəɾʲə] = furrow, groove, ridge eitreach = furrowed, grooved, rifled eitrigh = furrow, groove
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eitre = trench, furrow
Manx (Gaelg)	eerey = furrow length, plough length
Proto-Brythonic	*rrɨx = furrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rych, rich, rrych = trench, ditch, furrow, groove
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhych [r̥ɨːχ/r̥iːχ] = trench, ditch, furrow, groove, streak, wrinkle, cleft, cleavage rhychiad = crease, wrinkle, furrowing, trenching, chamfering rhych(i)og = furrowed, wrinkled, shrivelled rhychu = to cut a trench, cut into rows, plough, groove, corrugate, make or become wrinkled
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	rec = furrow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rec = furrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reg = line, furrow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pr̥keh₂ (furrow), from *perḱ- (to open, rip up, dig) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish *rikā (furrow) and Latin riga (line, stripe), include rega (furrow, ladder / run [in a stocking]) in Catalan, raie (stripe, parting, line) in French, porca (ridge between furrows, balk line) in Italian, alporquia (layering – developing a new plant from the branch of a tree) in Portuguese, porcoi (haystack, hay bale, heap, pile, bunch) in Romanian, and erreka (river, stream, ravine) in Basque [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include furrow, farrow and pig in English, Furche (furrow) in German, fåra (furrow, groove) in Swedish, porsas (piglet, pork) in Finnish, and arc [aɾˠk] (piglet) in Irish [source].

Other words for Ditches and Trenches and Grave Ditches in Celtic languages.

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

Drills & Augers

2nd August 20243rd August 2024 By Simon

Words for augur and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*taratrom = auger
Gaulish	taratron = auger
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tarathar = auger
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tarathar = auger
Irish (Gaeilge)	tarathar = auger tarathraigh = to bore with an auger
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tora [tɔrə] = auger, gimble, gimlet torach [tɔrəx] = pertaining to or abounding in augers / gimbles / gimlets torachair [tɔrəxɪrʲ] = auger, gimble, gimlet torachan [tɔrəxan] = small auger / gimble tarachair† = gimlet, auger
Manx (Gaelg)	tarrar = drill tarrarey = to drill, drilling
Proto-Brythonic	*taradr [taˈradr̩] = auger, borer, drill
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	tarater = auger, drill, borer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tarader, taradyr, taradr = auger, drill, borer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taradr [ˈtaradr] = auger, drill, borer, awl, gimlet, trepan taradru = to bore with an auger, drill, pierce tarad(r) y coed = woodpecker
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tardar, tarad = auger, borer, whimble tardha, tardhe = to pervade, break out, emanate, penetrate, bore, pierce
Cornish (Kernewek)	tarder = drill tardra = to bore, drill, tap
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tarazr, talazr = auger
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tarar [ˈtɑː.rar] = augur, chignole (a hand drill), shipworm (mollusk) tararer [ta.ʁa.ʁe] = to pass a cereal through a sieve tarzhañ = to burst, break, hatch, pierce, emerge, die (of thirst), warp

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *térh₁trom (tool for drilling), from *terh₁- (to rub, turn, drill, pierce) [source].

Words from the same Celtic roots, via Gaulish taratron (auger) and Late Latin taratrum, possibly include taraire in Occitan, taradre (to bore) in Catalan, trade (auger) in Galician, taladro (drill) in Spanish, tarière (auger) in French, tarader (drill) in Romansch [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include thread, thresh, trout and throw in English, settentrione (north) in Italian, třít (to rub) in Czech, and drehen (to turn) in German [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	druil = drill druilchéachta = drill-plough druileáil = drilling, to drill druileálaí = drill-maker, drill-master druilire láimhe = hand-drill
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dril(e) [dril(ə)] = drill dril(g)eadh [driləɣ] = drilling, drill plaosgach [pl̪ˠɯːsgəx] = shelled, husky, shelly
Manx (Gaelg)	drillal = to drill drilley = drill drilleyder = drill
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drill = drill dril, drul, trul = drill, small furrow, machine for sowing seed in drills drillio = to drill, bore, subject to discipline

Etymology: from English drill, from drillen (to bore, move in a circle in Middle Dutch, from Old Dutch *thrillen, from Proto-Germanic *þriljaną, from Proto-Indo-European *ter- (through, over) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include thrill in English and drillen (to drill, domineer) in Dutch [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

Monday Moons

16th July 202417th July 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*louxsnos = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lúan = moon, Monday, radiance
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lúan [ˈl͈uːə̯nʲ] = moon, Monday, doomsday, judgement day día lúain [dʲiːə̯ ˈl͈uːə̯nʲ] = (on) Monday
Irish (Gaeilge)	Luan [l̪ˠuən̪ˠ] = Monday, Aureole, nimbus, halo Dé Luain [dʲeːˈl̪ˠuənʲ] = (on) Monday
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	Luan [l̪ˠuən] = Monday, the moon (poetic) Diluain [dʲɪˈl̪ˠuən̪ʲ] = Monday
Manx (Gaelg)	luan, lune = moon Jelune, Jyluain, Lhein, Luain = Monday
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llun = Monday, (the) moon
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llun, Llun [ɬɨːn /ɬiːn] = Monday, (the) moon dydd Llun [dɨːð ˈɬɨːn / diːð ˈɬiːn] = Monday
Middle Cornish	lin = the moon di-lin, De Lun = Monday
Cornish (Kernewek)	Lun = Monday dy’Lun, de Lun = Monday
Breton (Brezhoneg)	Lun = the moon dilun [di.ˈlỹːn] = Monday

Etymology from PIE *lówksneh₂ (moon, shining thing), from *lewk- (to shine, to see, bright) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include illumiate, light, lucent, lucid, Lucifer, luminous, lunar, lustre, and lynx in English [source].

Etymology (Monday words) from Latin *diēs Lūnae (Monday), from diēs (day) and Lūna (the moon, Luna [a moon goddess]), or calques of this word [source].

Words from the same roots include dilluns (Monday) in Catalan, dilunes (Monday) in Occitan, and dilon (Monday) in Walloon [source].

Proto-Celtic	*lugrā = moon
Proto-Brythonic	lloɨr = moon lloɨrkann = moonlight
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	loyr = moon loiraul = lunar
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lloer = moon lloerferch = one as fair as the moon, fair maiden, beautiful woman lloergan = (bright) moonlight, moonlit lloeric = lunatic, moonstruck, insane, mad, frantic, wild, lunar lloerol = lunar
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lloer [ˈɬoːɨ̯r /ˈɬɔi̯r] = (the) moon, satellite lloeraidd = lunar, lunatic lloeren = circle, round spot, satellite, little moon lloerennol = satellite, pertaining to the moon lloergan = (bright) moonlight, moonlit lloergannu = to shine (of the moon) lloeri = to crook like the new moon, make cresent-shaped lloerig = lunatic, moonstruck, insane, mad, frantic, wild, lunar
Old Cornish	luir = moon
Middle Cornish	loer, lor, lôr, loor, lour, lûr = moon
Cornish (Kernewek)	loor = moon lorel = lunar lorell = satellite lorek, loroges = lunatic, maniac, psychotic
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	loir, loer = moon
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	loar = moon loer cann = full moon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	loar = moon loargann = full moon loarieg = lunatic

Etymology from PIE *lewk- (bright, light, to shine, to see), or from *lewg- (to bend, twist) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lleuad, lleuat = moon lleuadic = mad, lunatic
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lleuad [ˈɬeɨ̯.ad /ˈɬei̯.ad] = the moon lleuadu = to crook like the new moon, make cresent-shaped lleuadaidd = lunar lleuadig = mad, lunatic lleuadog = lunar, moon-like, moonlit, lunatic, moonstruck, mad, insane

Etymology from PIE *lewk- (bright, light, to shine, to see). Related to lleu (light, brightness) and golau (light, bright, fair) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ēskyom = moon
Old Irish (Goídelc)	éscae, aesca, æscae, ésca, æscæ, éisce [ˈeːske] = moon, lunar month éscaide = lunar
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	éscae = moon éscaide = lunar
Irish (Gaeilge)	éasca [ˈiːɑ̯skə / ˈeːsˠkə] = moon éascaí = lunar
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	èsga [eːsgə] = moon (archaic)
Manx (Gaelg)	eayst = moon, lunar lane-eayst = full moon

Etymology from PIE *h₁eysk- (to shine, glitter) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gelach = moon
Irish (Gaeilge)	gealach [ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx / ˈɟalˠəx] = moon, brightness (as of moon), moonlight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gealach [gʲal̪ˠəx] = (the) moon gealach làn = full moon gealachail [gʲal̪ˠəxal] = lunar gealachan [gʲa̪ˠəxan] = lunatic
Manx (Gaelg)	giallagh = moon

Etymology from Old Irish gel (fair, white, bright), from Proto-Celtic *gelos (shining, white), from PIE *ǵʰelh₃os, from *ǵʰelh₃- (to shine) [source].

Words from the same roots include words for white, bay and brown in Celtic languages, and arsenic, gall, gild, gild, gold and yellow in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ré = moon
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ré, re = the moon
Irish (Gaeilge)	ré = moon, phase of the moon, month, period, portion of time, span of life, career, age, era, epoch na ré = lunar (oíche) rédhorcha = moonless
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rè [r̪eː] = the moon (poetic)
Manx (Gaelg)	re, ray = moon

Etymology possibly from Proto-Celtic *rowis [source].

Another word for moon in Welsh is cannwyll awyr (“sky candle”), and the word cannaid (white, bright, shining, pure, clean radiant) used to mean moon in Carmarthenshire (and sun in north Wales).

Glens and Valleys

17th May 202418th May 2024 By Simon

Here are some words for valley, glen and related things that are found in some or all of the Celtic languages, and related words in other languages.

Strath Croe

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*stratos = valley
Old Irish (Goídelc)	srath = grassland, swarth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	srath, sreth, sraith = grass, sward, valley, bottom, meadow or grassy place near a river, fine, tax
Irish (Gaeilge)	srath [sˠɾˠa(h)] = river valley, low-lying land along a river srathach = bottom, low-lying, marshy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	srath [sdrah] = strath, wide valley, vale srathach = pertaining to or abounding in straths / wide valleys
Manx (Gaelg)	strah = level valley, plain, strath, flatness
Proto-Brythonic	*strad = valley
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ystrad, istrad, ystrat = (floor of a) valley, vale, plain
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ystrad [ˈəsdrad] = (floor of a) valley, vale, plain
Old Cornish	stræt = flat valley, low lying land, lowland
Middle Cornish (Cernewec	strat = flat valley, low lying land, lowland
Cornish (Kernewek)	stras = flat valley, low lying land, lowland
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	strat = bottom, low ground
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	strat = bottom, low ground
Breton (Brezhoneg)	stad [strɑːt] = bottom, low ground

Etymology: the Proto-Indo-European *str̥h₃tós (stretched, spread), from *sterh₃- (to spread, extend, stretch out [Source]. Words from the same roots include sternum, strategy, stratus, stray, street (a type of cloud) and stratosphere in English, estrato (layer, stratum, stratus [cloud]) in Spanish, and sarnu (to trample, tread, ruin) in Welsh [Source].

Cwm Idwal

Proto-Celtic	*kumbā = valley
Transalpine Gaulish	*cumba = valley
Gaulish	*kumba = valley
Irish (Gaeilge)	com [kʌmˠ] = coomb, cirque, mountain recess
Proto-Brythonic	*komm = valley
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cum, cwm(m), kwm = a deep narrow valley, dale, dingle kwm(m)an = hump, stoop, hunchback, rump kwmarch, cwmaearch = ravine, dingle, little valley
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwm [ˈəsdrad] = a deep narrow valley, coom, glen, dale; hollow, bowl-shaped depression cwmach = a stoop cwman = hump, stoop, hunchback, rump cwmanu = to stoop, hunch cwmanllyd, cwmanog = hunchbacked, crooked, bent cwmarch = ravine, dingle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec	cum = a valley opening downwards, from a narrow point, a dingle
Cornish (Kernewek)	komm = cirque, corrie, cwm
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	comm = combe, small valley, (water) trough, river-bed
Breton (Brezhoneg)	komm [ˈkɔ̃mː] = combe, small valley, (water) trough, river-bed komman, kommañ = to form hollows kommek = forming hollows

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kumbʰos / *kumbʰéh₂, either from PIE *kew- (bend) or a from non-Indo-European substrate [Source].

Words from the same roots include cwm, combe (a valley or hollow, often wooded and with no river; a cirque) in English, combe (combe) in French, and coma (combe, cwm, cirque; an alpine meadow situated between two peaks) in Catalan [Source].

A dingle is a small, narrow or enclosed, usually wooded valley [Source].

Glenfinnan / Gleann Fhionnain

Proto-Celtic	*glendos = valley
Old Irish (Goídelc)	glenn [ɡʲlʲen͈] = valley
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	glenn = valley, hollow, depression glennach = having vales or hollows, curly (hair)
Irish (Gaeilge)	gleann [ɟlʲɑun̪ˠ(h) / ɟlʲɑːn̪ˠ / ɟlʲan̪ˠ] = glen, hollow gleann = abounding in glens, hollow-backed, wavy (hair) gleanntán = small glen, dell, dale gleanntóir = glensman, dalesman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gleann [glaun̪ˠ] = glen, valley gleannach [glan̪ˠəx] = having or related to glens, steep sided gleannan [glan̪ˠan] = small glen / valley gleann crochte = hanging valley gleann sgoraidh = rift valley
Manx (Gaelg)	glion(e) [ɡlʲɔᵈn] = valley, glen, vale, creek
Proto-Brythonic	*glɨnn [ɡlɨnː] = glen, dale, valley
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glynn, glyn = glen, dingle, dale, dell (wooded) valley
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glyn [ɡlɨ̞n / ɡlɪn] = glen, dingle, dale, dell (wooded) valley, gloom, distressing experience
Middle Cornish (Cernewec	glen, glyn = valley (through which a river flows), a woody valley, dale
Cornish (Kernewek)	glynn, glydn = deep wooded valley, glen
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glenn, glen = earth, country
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glen = bottom, low ground

Etymology: the Proto-Indo-European *glendos (shore). Words from the same root include klit (dune) in Danish, klettur (rock, crag, cliff) in Icelandic, and cleit (rocky outcrop, cliff, reef) in Scottish Gaelic [Source].

The Irish word ailt refers to a steep-sided glen, ravine, height or cliff. There are cognate words in other Celtic languages, such as allt (hill, slope, cliff) in Welsh [More details].

Nant Gwrtheyrn

Proto-Celtic	*nantos / nantus = stream, valley
Gaulish	nanto, nantu = valley
Proto-Brythonic	*nant [nant] = stream, river, valley
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nant = river, stream, brook
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nant [nant] = river, stream, brook, rivulet; torrent, ditch, valley, glen, dale; ravine, gorge nentig, nennig = small stream
Middle Cornish (Cernewec	nans = valley, dale, ravine
Cornish (Kernewek)	nans [nans / nænz] = dale, vale, valley krognans = hanging valley
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nant = valley with watercourses
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nant, ant = valley with watercourses
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nant [nãnt] = valley with watercourses (found in place names – archaic)

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *nemetom (sacred place, sanctuary), from the Proto-Indo-European *nem- (to give, take, distribute) [source].

The Francoprovençal word nant (stream) comes from the same Proto-Celtic roots [source], as does the French place name Nanterre [source], the Irish word neimheadh (sanctuary, privilege of rank, holy thing), and the Breton word neved / neñved (sanctuary) [source].

More details of words for Streams and Currents in Celtic languages.

Old Welsh (Kembraec)	t(o)nou = valley, vale, hollow, dale
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tnou, tonou, tyno, tino = valley, vale, hollow, dale
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tyno = valley, vale, hollow, dale, plain, green
Cornish (Kernewek)	tnow = dale, valley-bottom
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	tenou, tnou = bottom, lower part, valley
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tnou [trãw] = bottom, lower part, valley trauyen = valley
Breton (Brezhoneg)	traoñ, traou [trãw] = bottom, lower part, valley (found in place names) traoñienn [ˈtrãw.jɛn] = valley

Etymology: unknown [Source].

Another Welsh word for valley is dyffryn [ˈdəfrɨ̞n / ˈdəfrɪn], which comes from dwfr (water) and hynt (course, way). There are no cognates in other Celtic languages, as far as I can discover [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

Pins & Needles

17th February 202417th February 2024 By Simon

Words for pin, needle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*delgos = pin, needle
Gaulish	*dalgis = scythe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	delg [dʲerɡ] = thorn, pin, brooch, peg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	delg = thorn, pin, brooch, peg, spike, nail, pointed implement delga, delgu = pin, peg, spike, tip, point delgach = pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	dealg [ˈdʲal̪ˠəɡ / ˈdʲalˠəɡ] = thorn, prickle, spine, spike, pin, peg, pointed implement, brooch dealgán = knitting-needle deilgne = thorns, prickles deilgneach = thorny, prickly, barbed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dealg [dʲal̪ˠag] = pin, skewer, knitting needle, prick(le) dealg-fighidh = knitting needle dealgan = spindle, small pin, skewer dealg brodaidh = cattle prod dealgach [dʲal̪ˠagəx] = prickly, stinging dealganach [dʲal̪ˠaganəx] = pertaining to or abounding in spindles, small pins or skewers
Manx (Gaelg)	jialg = broochpin, needle, prick(le), quill, spine, thorn, pin jialg broghil = brooch jialg fuilt = hairpin jialg oashyr = knitting needle jialgagh = prickly, spiniferous, spiny, thorny jialgaghey = to pin, prickle, pinning
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dala = sting
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dala [ˈdala] = sting, bite
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	delc(h) = jewel, necklace
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	delc = necklace
Cornish (Kernewek)	delk = necklace

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *dʰelg- (sting). Words from the same root include dálkur (spine of a fish, knife, dagger, [newspaper] column) in Icelandic, dilgus (prickly) in Lithuanian, falce (scythe, sickle) in Italian, hoz (sickle) in Spanish, and falcate (shaped like a sickle), falcifer (sickle-bearing, holding a scythe) in English [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish *dalgis (scythe) and Latin *daculum (scythe) , possibly include dall (mowing, billhook) in Catalan, dalle (scythe) in Spanish, and dalha (scythe) in Occitan (Languedoc) [source].

The English word dagger, and related words in other languages, such as daga (dagger) in Spanish, and Degen (rapier, épée) in German, might come from the same roots [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ber = (cooking) spin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bi(u)r [bʲir] = stake, spit, point, spear, spike berach = pointed, sharp
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bir = stake, spit, point, spear, spike biraid = to pierce biraigthe = sharpened, pointed birda = pointed, sharp birín = little spike, sharp point, dart, little spear
Irish (Gaeilge)	bior [ˈbʲɨ̞ɾˠ] = pointed rod or shaft, spit, spike, point biorach = pointed, sharp bioraigh = to point, sharpen biorán = pin, hand (of clock) bioranta = sharp biorú = pointing, sharpening
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bior [bir] = prickle, thorn, point, pointed object, knitting needle biorachadh [birəxəɣ] = sharpening, making pointed, staring biorag [birag] = small thorn or prickle, spiteful sharp-tongued woman biorach [birəx] = pointed, sharp, piercing, prickly bioraich [birɪç] = sharpen, make pointed, stare
Manx (Gaelg)	birr, byr = point, spit birragh, byrragh = pointed, scathing, sharp, spiky, tapered, prickly birranagh = pointed, sharp birraghey = to sharpen, taper, tone up
Proto-Brythonic	ber = (cooking) spit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bêr, ber = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer beraid = as much as can be held on a spit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bêr [beːr] = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer ber(i)af, berio, beru = to spit (meat), impale, stab with a spear beriad = as much as can be held on a spit bergi = turnspit (dog) bernod = dagger, obelisk
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ber, bêr = spit, lance, spear
Cornish (Kernewek)	berya = to stab, run through
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ber, bèr, bir = (roasting) spit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ber [beːr] = spindle, point, spike beriad = pin berian = skewer

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *gʷéru (spit, spear) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include verrocchio (olive oil press) in Italian, verrou (bolt, lock) in French, cerrojo (bolt, latch) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	snātantā = needle (?) snātos = thread
Old Irish (Goídelc)	snáthat = needle snáith = thread
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	snáthat, snāthad, snathat = needle snáithe = thread
Irish (Gaeilge)	snáthaid [ˈsˠn̪ˠɑːhəd̪ˠ] = needle, snáthadóir = needle-maker snáth = thread, yarn, web
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	snàthad [sn̪ˠaː.əd] = needle, pointer (on a dial) snàthadair [sn̪ˠaː.ədɪrʲ] = needle-maker snàthadalan [sn̪ˠaː.ədəl̪ˠan] = needlecase snàthadh [sn̪ˠaː.əɣ] = threading, stringing snàthadag [sn̪ˠaː.ədag] = sting snàth [sn̪ˠaː] = thread, yarn
Manx (Gaelg)	snaid = needle, pointer, indicator, index snaid whaaley = sewing needle snaidagh = needle-like snaidey = knit obbyr snaidey = needlework snaih, snaie = line, thread, yarn, worm, netting
Old Welsh (Kymraec)	notuid = needle, pin
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	notwyd, nottwyd, nodwydd = needle, pin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nodwydd [ˈnɔdwɨ̞ð/ˈnɔdʊi̯ð] = needle, pin, pointer, dial nodwyddaf, nodwyddo = to sew, stitch, inject, prick nodwyddiad = acupuncture nodwyddig = small needle nodwyddwaith = needlework nodwyddwr = needlemaker, pinmaker, sewer, stitcher, tailor
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nadedh, nadzhedh = needle noden = thread, yarn
Cornish (Kernewek)	naswydh, najedh = needle neusen, neujen = thread, yarn neusenna = to thread
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nadoez, nados, nadoz = sewing needle neut, neud = thread
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nadoez [beːr] = needle, hand, pointer, spire nadoezenn = (clock) hand nadoezier = needle maker neud = thread, filaments, net, algae

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *(s)neh₁- (to spin, sew) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include needle, nerve, neuron, sinew and snood in English [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

Muddy Mires

15th February 2024 By Simon

Words for mud and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*latyos = moist
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lathach [dʲerɡ] = mud, mire
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lathach, laithech, lathaig = mire, puddle, quagmire, morass
Irish (Gaeilge)	lathach [ˈl̪ˠɑhəx / l̪ˠaiç] = mud, slush, slime
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lathach [l̪ˠa.əx] = mire, ooze, sludge, quicksand lathach-mhòine = peat-bog lathach sàile = saltmarsh lathachach [l̪ˠa.əxəx] = muddy, oozy, sludgy lathachail [l̪ˠa.əxal] = muddy, oozy, sludgy lathadh = besemearing, (be)numbing, heat (in cats)
Manx (Gaelg)	laagh = mire, mud laagh vog = sludge laaghagh = muddy, sludgy, slushy laaghan = muddy place, slough
Proto-Brythonic	*llėd = mud
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaid = mud, mire, dirt, clay, slime, ooze lleidyawc = muddy, clayey, miry, oozy, slimy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaid [ɬai̯d] = mud, mire, dirt, clay, slime, ooze, quagmire, quicksand, dregs lleidfa = muddy or clayey place lleidfysgaf, lleidfysgu = to, knead, work clay, bespatter with mud or dirt, bedraggle, bemire lleidiaf, lleidio = to turn into mud or clay, become sodden lleidiog = muddy, clayey, miry, oozy, slimy lleidiogaf, lleidiogi = to become muddy or miry lleidiogrwydd = muddiness, ooziness, turbidity lleidiol = full of mud, muddy, miry, clayey
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lued, luth, lyys, lys, lŷs = mud, mire, dirt, filth luedic = miry, filthy, stinking lyys haal = salt-marsh
Cornish (Kernewek)	leys [lɛɪz] = mud, slime leysek = mire
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lec’hid = slime, silt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lec’hid = slime, silt lec’hidadur = siltation lec’hidan, lec’hidañ = to silt up, become gelatinous, viscous lec’hideg = mudflat lec’hidus = muddy

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *lat- (damp, wet). Words from the same roots include latex in English, latãkas (chute, gutter, duct) in Lithuanian, and lag (to wet, moisten) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	láp = mud, mire, sin, vice
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láip [l͈aːb] = mud, mire, sin, vice
Irish (Gaeilge)	láib [l̪ˠɑːbʲ/l̪ˠæːbʲ] = mud, mire; to muddy, spatter caoch láibe = mole oitir láibe = mud-bank
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làb [l̪ˠaːb] = mire, mud, muddy puddle, day’s labour làbach [l̪ˠaːbəx] = marsh, swamp làbachas [l̪ˠaːbəxəs] = swampiness, bogginess làban [l̪ˠaːban] = mire, mud, muddy place, dirty work, drudgery, wet and muddy person làbanachadh [l̪ˠaːbanəxəɣ] = smearing, daubing, dirtying, wallowing, bedraggling, drenching làbrach [l̪ˠaːbarəx] = miry, muddy, dirty, dirty/unkempt person
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	loob = slime, sludge
Cornish (Kernewek)	loub = slime, sludge louba = to lubricate

Etymology: probably related to lathach [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷrīyess = clay
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cré [kʲrʲeː] = clay, earth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cré, cre = clay, earth créda, criadta, criata, creodae = clayey, earthen, fictile (pliable, moldable)
Irish (Gaeilge)	cré = clay, earth, dust créachadh = (act of) earthing, moulding créafóg = clay, earth crécholúr = clay pigeon cré-earra = earthenware créúil = clayey, earthy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	criadh [krʲiəɣ] = clay criadgadair [krʲia.ədɪrʲ] = potter criadhadaireachd [krʲia.ədɪrʲəxg] = pottery
Manx (Gaelg)	cray = ash, clay, pipe clay crayee = ceramic, earthen crayoil = clayey, earthy
Proto-Brythonic	*prið [ˈpriːð] = clay, mud, earth
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	prid, pridd = soil, earth, dust, ground, clay, mortar, plaster priddo = to cover with earth, bury pridell, priddell = clod, sod, dust, soil priddled, priddlyd = earthy, earthen, dirty, dusty,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pridd [priːð] = soil, earth, dust, ground, clay, mortar, plaster priddach = soil, earth, clay, earthenware pridd(i)af, pridd(i)o = to cover with earth, bury, plaster, daub priddawr = potter pridd-dom = dirt, mud, clay priddell = clod, sod, dust, soil, grave, potsherd, brick, tile priddfaen = brick, (earthenware) tile for making bricks priddl(l)yd = earthy, earthen, dirty, dusty, uncouth priddwr = mason, plasterer, burier
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pri, pry, prî = mould, earth, clay prian, prían = clayey ground
Cornish (Kernewek)	pri = clay, mud priek = clayey prien = clay ground priweyth = pottery priweythor, priweythores = potter priweythva = clay-works, pottery
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pri = clay, mudt
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pry = clay, mud
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pri [priː] = clay, mud, mortar priaj = ceramic prian, priañ = to coat with clay priasell = waste, quagmire priasellek = full of clay mud prieg = clayey, muddy

Etymology possibly from Proto-Indo-European *krey- (to siftm separate, divide). Words from the same roots include latex in English, latãkas (chute, gutter, duct) in Lithuanian, and lag (to wet, moisten) in Albanian [source].

Middle Breton (Brezonec)	fanc, fancq, fang, fank = mud, excrement
Breton (Brezhoneg)	fank [ˈfãŋk] = mud, excrement fankan, fankañ = to poop fankeg = muddy

Etymology from Norman fanque (mud) [source] from Old French fange (mud, addle, mire), from Vulgar Latin *fanga/*fangus (mud), possibly from Frankish, from Proto-Germanic *fanją (swamp, fen). The French words fange (filth, mire, debauchery) and fagne (marshland, fen), and the Catalan word fang (mud) come from the same roots [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaka, lacca, llacca = mud, sludge, mire, dirt, muck, puddle, filth, slome
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaca [ɬaka] = mud, sludge, mire, dirt, muck, puddle, filth, slime llaceilyd = muddy, miry, dirty

Etymology from Middle English lake/laca (lake, stream; ditch, drain, sewer), from Old French lac (lake) or Latin lacus (lake, basin, tank), to-Italic *lakus (lake), from Proto-Indo-European *lókus (pond, pool) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*lutā = dirt, mud
Gaulish	*lutos = swamp
Celtiberian	*lutā = swamp
Old Irish (Goídelc)	loth [ˈloθ] = mire, mud, swamp, marsh
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	loth, lath = mud, mire, quagmire, marsh
Irish (Gaeilge)	lodair = to cover with mud, muddy, to wallow in mire, grovel lodán = stagnant pool, puddle lodar = miry place, slough, soft, flabby person lodartha = muddy, slushy, slobby, soft, flabby, grovelling, abject, base, vulgar lodarthacht = muddiness, slushiness, softness, flabbiness, abjectness, baseness, vulgarity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lod [l̪ˠɔd] = pool, pond, marsh lodagan = small pool of water lodan = puddle, small pool, small marsh

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *lew- (dirt, mud) [source].

Lutetia, the Gallo-Roman town founded in 52 BC that became Paris, gets it’s name from the Gaulish word *lutos (swamp) [source]. It was known as Lutetia Parisiorum by the Romans.

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

Haughty Pride

13th October 202313th October 2023 By Simon

Words for pride, arrogance, vanity and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*auberos = vain
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úabar = pride, arrogance úabrige = pride, arrogance
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úabar = pride, arrogance, vanity, confidence úabrach = proud, haughty úabrigidir = to treat insolently, profane, mock óbar = vain-glory anúabar, anuabhar = inordinate pride comúabar = great pride
Irish (Gaeilge)	uabhar = pride, arrogance, spiritedness, exuberance, frolicking, frolicsomeness, rankness, luxuriance, eeriness, feeling of loneliness anuabhar = overweening pride, excess (of grief, weeping) aingeal an uabhair = fallen angel
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uabhar [uəvər̪] = pride, insolence uabharra [uəvər̪ˠə] = proud, haughty uaibhreach [uəivr̪ʲəx] = haughty, proud, arrogant an-uaibhreach = humble uaibhreas = arrogance, haughtiness uaibhridh = haughty, proud, arrogant ro sgrios thig uabhar = pride goes/comes before a fall
Proto-Brythonic	*ọβer = vain (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ofer, ouer = worthless, vain, useless ofêra, ouera, ofera = to behave frivolously overaidd = vain, frivolous oferbeth, obherbeth = worthless or pointless thing ofered, oferedd = vanity, unsubstantiality, emptiness, vainglory ofergoel, ofer-goel = superstition, vain belief overwr, ouerwr, oferwr = good-for-nothing, waster, idler
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ofer [ˈɔvɛr / ˈoːvɛr] = worthless, vain, useless, unnecessary, futile, wasteful, prodigal, unprofitable, frivolous ofera(f) = to behave frivolously, live dissolutely, trifle, idle, laze, loiter, waste, squander oferaidd = vain, frivolous, unprofitable, worthless oferbeth = worthless or pointless thing, trifle, bauble oferdod = vanity, dissipation, frivolousness oferedd = vanity, unsubstantiality, emptiness, vainglory ofergoel = superstition, vain belief, false religion oferwr = good-for-nothing, waster, idler
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	evereth, ufereth = vanity, idleness, frivolity
Cornish (Kernewek)	euver = valueless, worthless euvergryjyk = superstitious
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	euver = bland, insipid, flavourless
Breton (Brezhoneg)	euver = bland, spineless(ness), damage

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *aw- and *ber-o- (to carry), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to carry, bear, flow), *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include beir (to bear, give birth to, lay, bring, take) in Irish, beir (to bear, give birth to) in Scottish Gaelic, behr (to bear, give birth to) in Manx, bairn (child) in Scots, and bear (to carry), bier, birth, burden, ferret, and fortune in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*balkos = strong
Gaulish	balco- = strong (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	balc = robust, strong, sturdy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	balc, bailc = stout, strength, sturdy, firm, vigorous, powerful, strength, firmness, vigour
Irish (Gaeilge)	bailc = strong, stout bailcbhéim = strong, heavy, blow
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bailc [balçgʲ] = strong, bold, daring bailc uisge = sudden, heavy shower bailceach [balçgʲəx] = stout/strong person bailceata [balçgʲən̪ˠdə] = stout, strong, boastful
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	balch, bỽlch, beilch = proud, glad, pleased, dignified, splendid, imposing, fine, strong, brave balchav = to grow proud or arrogant, pride oneself bylchdaidd = proud, conceited, arrogant, haughty, vain strong>ualchder, balchder = pride, pleasure, fineness, glory, dignity ualchdet, balchet = pride, arrogance
Welsh (Cymraeg)	balch [balχ] = proud, glad, pleased, dignified, splendid, imposing, fine, strong, brave, conceited, arrogant, haughty, vain, pompous balchâf, balcháu = to grow proud or arrogant, pride oneself balchdaidd = proud, conceited, arrogant, haughty, vain balchder = pride, pleasure, fineness, glory, dignity balchded = pride, arrogance balchus = proud, vain balchwedd = pride, conceit, lofty belchyn = proud, pompous or self-important person, prig
Cornish (Kernewek)	balgh = arrogant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	balc’h = haughty, proud, arrogant
Breton (Brezhoneg)	balc’h [ˈbalx] = haughty, proud, arrogant ambalc’h = reserved, timid balc’haat = to make or become haughty balc’hded = superb, arrogance balc’hder = = pride, arrogance, audacity

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (to blow, swell, inflate). A word from the same Proto-Celtic root is balca (bulrush, cattail) in Catalan and Occitan [source].

Words from the same PIE root include bold in English, boud (bold, brave) in Dutch, and bald (soon, almost) in German [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwrth [ɡʊrθχ] = opposition, objection, resistance, contast, opposite gwrthâd = taunt, light censure, upbraiding, remorse, conviction
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	goth = pride gothus, gothys = proud
Cornish (Kernewek)	gooth = pride gothus = proud, arrogant gorth = obstinate, perverse, stubborn, uppity gorthus = proud

Etymology: unknown

Old Irish (Goídelc)	blad = fame, renown bladach = famous, renowned, splendid
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	blad, bladh, blath = fame, renown, glories, triumphs bladach, bladaig = famous, renowned, splendid bladaigid = praises, extols
Irish (Gaeilge)	bláth = pride
Manx (Gaelg)	blaa = heyday, pride

Etymology: unknown

Old Irish (Goídelc)	borr = huge, large, proud, swollen, thick, vast borrfadach = bold, high-spirited, proud
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	borr, bórr = big, large, great, vast, mighty, strong, puffed-up, proud borrach = a proud, pretentious person borra(i)d = swelling, maturing, blooming, springing, swells, becomes swollen, bloated
Irish (Gaeilge)	borr = puffed (up with), proud, luxuriant; to swell, grow borrach = proud, arrogant person; swollen, proud, arrogant borrachas = pride, arrogance borradh = swelling, growth, surge, expansion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bòrr [bɔːr̪ˠ] = puffed up, swollen, grand, splendid, haughty borrail = swaggering, boastful borranachadh = swelling up, puffing up, frothing at the mouth borraganta = swelling, fierce

Etymology: unknown

Manx (Gaelg)	sturd = pride, haughtiness; angry look, menacing look styrdalys = stateliness styrdalaght = pride, stateliness

Etymology: unknown

Manx (Gaelg)	moyrn = pomp, pride, self-conceit moyrnagh = haughty, proud, vain, pompous moyrnee = proud

Etymology: unknown

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Magic and Spells

22nd December 202210th June 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for magic, spells, charms, prayers and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*brixtā = spell, magical formula, incantation
Celtiberian	*bruxtia
Gaulish	brixtia
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bricht = charm, spell, incantation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bricht = incanation, charm, magic spell
Irish (Gaeilge)	briocht = charm, spell, amulet briocht sí = fairy charm briocht a chanadh = to chant a spell briocht draíochta = magic spell
Proto-Brythonic	*briθ [ˈbriːθ] = charm, incantation
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lleturith, lledrith, ledryth = magic, spell, charm, enchantment llethrithawc, lledrithyawc, lleturithawc = magic, magical, enchanted
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lled(f)rith = magic, spell, charm, enchantment; apparition, spectre, phantom; illusion, delusion, fantasy, imagination lledrithaid = pretence, dissembling, deception lledrithiaf, lledrithio = to counterfeit, fake, pretend, simulate lledrithiog = magic, magical, enchanted
Old Breton	brith = charm, incantation (?)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bre = incantation, magic

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰerHǵ- (enlighten). Words that probably come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Celtiberian *bruxtia, include bruja (witch, crone, hag, owl) in Spanish, bruxa (witch, hex) in Galician, bruxa (witch) in Portuguese, and bruixa (witch) in Catalan [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	druídecht, draídecht = magic, wizardry, secret lore and arts of the druids
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	druídecht, draídecht, dráoidheachd = secret lore and arts of the druids, occult science, wizardry
Irish (Gaeilge)	dríocht [ˈd̪ˠɾˠihaxt̪ˠə] = druidic art, druidism, witchcraft, magic, charm, enchantment draíochtach = magical, bewitching, entrancing draíochtúil = magic, magical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	draoidheachd [drɯjəxg] = magic, socery, druidism eun-draoidheachd = augury slat-draoidheachd = magic wand/td>
Manx (Gaelg)	druaight = charm, druid druaightagh = charmer, charming, druid, magician, occult druaightys = charming, druid, druidism, magic fo druaight = charmed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	derwyddiaeth [dɛrˈwəðjaɨ̯θ/dɛrˈwəðjai̯θ] = druidism, the druid cult
Cornish (Kerneweg)	drewydhieth = druidism
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drouizelezh / drouiziezh = druidism

Etymology: these words come from the same roots as words for druid.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ortha = prayer, incantation, spell, charm oráit = prayer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ortha, órtha = prayer, incantation, spell, charm orthanach = of prayers, wont to pray oróit, oráit, oráid, oraoid = prayer, speech, oration anoráit, anóráid = curse
Irish (Gaeilge)	ortha = incantation, spell, charm, prayer im ortha = unsalted butter used in charm-cure óráid = oration, speech, address óráideach = oratorical, declamatory. óráidí = orator, speech-maker óráidíocht = oratory, speech-making
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ortha [ɔr̪ˠə] = incantation, (magical) prayer, amulet ortha-bhàis = death incantation ortha-ghràidh = love amulet / charm òraid [ɔːrɪdʲ] = address, speech, lecture, talk òraidiche [ɔːrɪdʲɪçə] = lecturer, orator, speechmaker òraidearachd = oratory talla-òraid = lecture hall / theatre
Manx (Gaelg)	oraid = address, oration, speech oraatagh = orator, speaker, oratorial oraataght = oration
Proto-Brythonic	*arọd = prayer, oration
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	araut = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	araỽd, arawt, araỽt, arawd = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arawd = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration, utterance, report, eulogy, prayer arawduriaeth = oratory, rhetoric
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	areth = speech, oration
Cornish (Kerneweg)	areth = lecture, oration, speech arethek = rhetorical arethor, arethores = lecturer, orator, speaker arethva = platform arethya = to lecture

Etymology: from Latin ōrātiō (speech, discourse, language, oration), from ōrō (to speak as an orator, plead, pray) from Latin ōs, ōris (mouth), or from Proto-Indo-European *h₂er- (to pronounce a ritual) [source].

The words for prayer and oration come from this Latin root, and the words for charm and incantation may do as well [source]. The Brythonic words come via Vulgar Latin *arātiō [source].

Words from the same roots include oration in English, oración (oration, sentence, clause, prayer) in Spanish, and oratorio (oratory, oratorio, oratorical, solemn) in Italian.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sén = blessing, charm, incantation, omen, prosperity, sign, snare sénaid = to bless, charm (with spell), deny, reject, repudiate, sign
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sén, seon, seún, sena, séna = sign, omen, augury, portent, incantation, charm, blessing, good luck, prosperity, happiness sénaid, seanaidh = to mark with a sign, bless, put a spell on, put a charm on
Irish (Gaeilge)	séan [ʃeːnˠ] = sign, omen, good luck, prosperity; to mark with a sign, to bless séanaire = diviner, augur séanaireacht = divination, augury
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seun [ʃiən] = charm, magic invocation, protective spell seunach [ʃiənəx] = charming, enchanting, charm-like seunadair [ʃiənədɪrʲ] = enchanter seunadaireachd [ʃiənədɪrʲəxg] = conjuring, enchanting seunail [ʃiənal] = charmed, magical, happy, prosperous seunmhorachd [ʃiənvərəxg] = magical power(s) seunta [ʃiən̪ˠdə] = charmed, enchanted seuntachan [ʃiəndəxan] = charm, enchantment
Manx (Gaelg)	sheean = charm, fortune
Proto-Brythonic	*suɨɣn = spell, incantation (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	swyn, suen, = spell, incantation, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, remedy, charm swyno, suyno = to charm, fascinate, allure, cast a spell (on), bewitch swynedig, sỽynedic, swynedic = charmed, fascinated, charming, bewitched, blessed, happy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	swyn [suːɨ̯n / sʊi̯n] = spell, incantation, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, remedy, charm swyn(i)o = to charm, fascinate, allure, cast a spell (on), bewitch, divine, bless, protect swynaidd = charming, enchanting swynedig = charmed, fascinated, charming, bewitched, blessed, happy swynwr, swynydd = sorcerer, magician, bewitcher, soothsayer swynyddiaeth = sorcery, witchcraft, magic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	sona, sone = to bless, hallow, sanctify, consecrate, charm zona = to charm, hallow
Cornish (Kerneweg)	sona = to bless, charm sonell = charm
Breton (Brezhoneg)	saouzan = disorientation, bewilderment, stupor, hypnosis saouzanan, saouzanañ = to disorientate, hypnotise, go astray, misplace saouzanidigezh = hypnotism saouzanus = hypnotic

Etymology: from Latin signum (sign, mark, signal, miracle), from Proto-Italic *seknom (sign, statue), from Proto-Indo-European *sek- (to cut) or *sekʷ- (to follow). [source].

Words from the same roots include sign and signal in English, seña (sign, indication, gesture) and sino (destiny, fate, lot) in Spanish, and Segen (blessing) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	soitos. soyto- = magic
Proto-Brythonic	hʉd = magic, charm hʉdol* = charming, illusory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hut, hud = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft hûdadwy, hydadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hud [hɨːd/hiːd] = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft, spell, enchantment, charm, fascination, allurement, persuasion hudadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible hudaf, hudo = to fashion or produce by magic, conjure, cast a spell upon, enchant, charm, entice, allure, persuade, seduce, beguile hudaidd = alluring, charming, seductive hudol = charming, enchanting, enticing, alluring, illusory, deceptive, deceitful
Old Cornish	hudol = charming, illusory
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huder = a deceiver, hypocritic, juggler, sorcerer hudol = sorcerer
Cornish (Kerneweg)	hus = charm, enchantment, illusion, magic, sorcery, spell husa = to charm, create an illusion, enchant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hud = magic hudek, hudel = magic, magical hudiñ = to charm, enchant, bewitch, delight hudour = magician, wizard hudouriezh = magic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hud = magic hudek = magic, magical hudour = magician, wizard

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-Etymology *sh₂oy-tó-s (magic), from *sh₂ey (to bind, fetter) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include seiður (magic, witchcraft, sorcery) in Icelandic, sejd (sorcery, witchcraft, magic potion) in Swedish, and seid (magic) in Norwegian [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	pis(e)óc = charm, spell, sorcery, witchcraft
Irish (Gaeilge)	piseog = charm, spell, superstition piseogach = practising charms or spells, superstitious piseogacht = superstitious practices piseogaí = charm-setter, superstitious person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pisreag [ʃiən] = charm, spell, ensorcellment, sorcery, superstition
Manx (Gaelg)	pishag = charm, incantation, spell, witchcraft pishagagh = incantatory, magical, sorcerer, superstitious pishagys = enchantment, magic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pystyc = witchery, magic, sorcery pystry = witchcraft, magic, sorcery
Cornish (Kerneweg)	pystri = magic, sorcery pystrier = sorcerer, warlock, wizard pystriores = sorcereress

Etymology: probably from Latin pyxis (a small box, for holding medicines or toiletries), from Ancient Greek πυξίς (puxís – box, tablet, cylinder), from πῠ́ξος (púxos – boxwood) [source]. The Hibero-English word piseog (an evil spell, curse) comes from the same roots, via Irish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	airnigde [ˈar͈ʲn͈ʲiɣʲðʲe] = prayer, praying ar·neget = to pray
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	airnigde, airnaigde, airna(i)gthe, urnaidhi, urnaith = praying, prayer airnaigid, ernaigit = to pray airnaigthech, ernaigtech, urnaigtheach = prayerful, devout
Irish (Gaeilge)	urnaí [uːɾˠˈn̪ˠiː / ˈʌɾˠn̪ˠi] = praying, prayer urnaitheach = prayful, devout
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ùrnaigh [ur̪ˠn̪ʲɪ] = praying, prayer ùrnaigheach [ur̪ˠn̪ʲijəx] = pertaining to or abounding in prayers
Manx (Gaelg)	yeearree = prayer, request, urge, wish, desire, aspiration; to solicit, importune yeearreeagh = wistful, soliciting, yearning

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	paitir, paidear = the Lord’s Prayer, paternoster
Irish (Gaeilge)	paidir [ˈpˠɑdʲəɾʲ / ˈpˠædʲəɾʲ] = Paternoster, prayer An Phaidir, Paidir an Tiarna = the Lord’s Prayer paidreoireacht = praying paidrín = Rosary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	paidir [padʲɪrʲ] = the Lord’s Prayer, Pater Noster, rosary
Manx (Gaelg)	padjer [ˈpaːʒər] = prayer, devotion Padjer y Çhiarn = the Lord’s Prayer goaill padjer = to pray, prayer

Etymology: from Latin pater (father), the first word of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin (Pater noster) [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

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