Honey Wine

4th June 2024 By Simon

Words for mead, wine and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	medu = mead, wine, alcoholic drink medwos = drunk
Celtiberian	Mezu-kenos = personal name “mead-born”
Gaulish	medu = mead Medu-genos = personal name “mead-born”
Primitive Irish	medu = mead
Primitive Irish	ᚋᚓᚇᚒ (medu) = mead ᚋᚓᚇᚇᚑᚌᚓᚅᚔ (meddogeni) = personal name “mead-born” ᚋᚓᚇᚃᚃᚔ (medvvi) = personal name “meady”
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mid [mʲið] = mead Midgen = personal name “mead-born”
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mid, midh = mead medb = strong, intoxicating (liquor)
Irish (Gaeilge)	meá [mʲæh / mʲa(h)] = mead
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meadh [mjɤɣ] = mead meadhach = fuddled with mead, like mead, abounding in mead
Manx (Gaelg)	meddagh = mead-maker
Proto-Brythonic	*með [mɛːð] = mead
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	med = mead
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	met, med = mead meddawt, meddavt, meddwdod = drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication meddfaeth, metveith, meduaeth, medweith = nourished on mead, having feastedon mead, mead-feast medgell, meddgell = mead-cellar, drink-cellar met kirn, medgyrn, metgyrn, meddgyrn = mead-horn, drinking-horn metv, medw, meddw = drunk medwyt, medwi, meddwi [ˈmɛðwi] = to get drunk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	medd [meːð] = mead meddaidd = like mead, sweet medd-dod, meddwdod = drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication meddfaeth = luxurious, soft, gentle, delicate, pampered, effeminate meddw [ˈmɛðu] = drunk, intoxicated, fuddled, tipsy meddwi [ˈmɛðwi] = to be(come) drunk or tipsy, to be intoxicated or inebriated, to make drunky
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	medh, medu, meddou = mead medhas = drunkenness, intoxication medho = drunken, intoxicated
Cornish (Kernewek)	medh = mead, hydromel medhow = drunk, intoxicated medhwenep = drunkenness, intoxication medhwi = to intoxicate, make drunk medhwynsi = drunkenness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	medot = mead
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mez = mead
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mez [meː(s)] = mead mezv [mɛ(z)w] = drunk, wobbly (furniture) mezventi = alcoholism mezvier = drunkard mezvierezh = drunkenness mezviñ [ˈmɛ(z)vĩ] = to get drunk mezvus [ˈmɛ(z)vys] = intoxicating, heady

Etymology: from PIE *médʰu (honey, honey wine, mead), possibly related to Proto-Semitic *mataḳ- (sweet) [source].

Words from the same roots include mead in English, mead in English, mjöður (mead) in Icelandic, медведь [mʲɪdˈvʲetʲ] (bear, large clumsy person, lit. “honey eater”) in Russian, mesi (nectar) in Finnish, and possibly 蜜 (mì / mitsu – honey) in Chinese and Japanese and 밀 (mil – beeswax, honey) in Korean [source].

The Irish name Méabh (Maeve) also comes from the same roots [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wīnom = wine
Leptonic	𐌖𐌉𐌍𐌏𐌌 (uinom) = wine
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fín = wine fín acat = vinegar
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fín = wine fínán = cheap wine fínda = pertaining to wine fínmar = having abundance of wine fíntan = vineyard
Irish (Gaeilge)	fíon [fʲiːn̪ˠ] = wine fíonchaor = grape fíoncheannaí = wine merchant, vintner fíonda = vinous, pertaining to wine fíondaite = wine-coloured fíonghort [ˈfʲiːnˠˌɣɔɾˠtˠ] = vineyard fíonmhar = rich in wine, vinous fíonsaothrú = viticulture
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fìon [fiən] = wine fìon-chaor [fiən xɯːr] = grape fìon-chrann = grapevine fìon-fhoghar = wine harvest, vintage fìon-geur = vinegar fìon-lios = vineyard fìonadair = wine-maker
Manx (Gaelg)	feeyn = wine feeyney = of wine, vinous feeyneyder = wine-maker, vintner feeyneydys = viticulture berrish-feeyney = grape feeyn geayr = vinegar fouyr feeyney = vintage garey feeyney = vineyard
Proto-Brythonic	*gwin = wine
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guin = wine
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gvin, guin, gwin = wine gwinblas = mansion where wine is dispensed in abundance gwindeveirn = wine-tavern gwindy, gwin-dŷ = wine-house, wine-tavern, wine-cellar, banqueting house guinegyr, gwinegyr = vinegar guinlann, gwinllan(n) = vineyard, vine
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwin [ɡwiːn] = wine, fermented liquor made from the juice of fruits (apples, elderberries, rhubarb, gooseberries, etc), like wine, pleasant, sweet, fine, excellent gwinbren = vine gwindy = wine-house, wine-tavern, wine-cellar, banqueting house gwinegr = vinegar gwinllan = vineyard, vine, copse, grove, wood, plantation gwinwr, gwinydd = vintner, vine-grower, vine-dresser, vineyard owner
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwin, guin = wine gwinbren, guinbren = vine
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwin [ɡwiːn] = wine gwinbren = vine gwinlan = vineyard gwinyer = winemaker
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guin = wine guiniin = vines
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guin, guyn = wine guiny, guyni = vines guynieyer = vineyard
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwin [ɡwĩːn / ɡɥĩːn] = wine gwinegr [ɡwĩnˈɛk(r)] = vinegar gwini [ˈɡɥĩːni] = vines gwinieg [ɡɥĩ.ˈniː.ɛk] = vineyard gwinier [ɡwĩ.ˈniː.ɛr / ɡɥĩ.ˈniː.ɛr] = winemaker gwinioniezh [ɡɥĩ.nɔ̃ˈniː.ɛs] = oenology

Etymology: from Latin vīnum (wine, grapes, grapevine), from Proto-Italic *wīnom (wine), from Proto-Indo-European *wóyh₁nom (wine, vine). The Welsh and Cornish words come from Latin via Proto-Celtic, the Breton and Goidelic words were borrowed direct from Latin, and the Leptonic word comes direct from Proto-Italic [source].

Words from the same roots include wine, vine, vinegar and oenology (the scientific study of wines and winemaking) in English, wijn (wine) in Dutch, vino (wine) in Italian, wino (wine) in Polish, and possibly ወይን (wäyn – grape) in Amharic [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.

Betwixt and Between

6th February 2024 By Simon

Here are some words for betwixt, between, among and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*enter = betwen
Gaulish	Entarabo = name of a god
Celtiberian	enterara = between
Old Irish (Goídelc)	eter = between etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) etir, itir = between him etron(n), etrunn = between us etruib = between you (pl) etarru, etarro = between them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	eter, etir, etar-, etr- = inter-, between, among etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) eadra, etir = between him etronn, etrunn, eadrainn, eadroinn = between us etruib, eadruibh, eadraibh = between you (pl) et(t)arru, etarro, etorro = between them
Irish (Gaeilge)	idir [ˈɪdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛd̪ˠəɾʲ] = between, both eadrainn = between us eadraibh = between you (pl) eatarthu = between them idirchéim = interval idircheol = interlude idirchuir = to interpose idirfhigh = to interweave idirmhír = intersection idirlíon = internet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eadar [edər] = between eadarainn = between us eadaraibh = between you (pl) eatarra = between them eadar-aghaidh [edərˈɤ.ɪ] = interface eadar-cheangailte = interconnected eadar-cheangal = interlinking, interconnecting, communications eadar dà sgeul = incidentally (“between two stories”) eadar-dhealtaichte = parted, separated, differing, distinct eadar-lìon = internet eadar-theangachadh = translating, translation
Manx (Gaelg)	eddyr [ˈɛðˌər] =between, betwixt eddyr ain = between us eddyr eu = between you (pl) eddyr oc = between them eddyr-ashoonagh = international(ist) eddyrcheim = interval eddyr-chianglt = interconnected eddyr-ghoaillagh = intermediary eddyr-hengaghey = to interpret, interpretation eddyr-voggyl = internet
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨntr = between
Old Welsh	ithr = between
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ythr = between
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ynter, yntré = between, among yntredho = between him yntredhon = between us ynterdhoch, yntredhouch = between ye yntredhe = between them
Cornish (Kernewek)	ynter, yntra = between ynterdhyskyblethek = interdisciplinary ynterfas = interface
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ithr = between, among
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	entre, intre = between, among
Breton (Brezhoneg)	etre [e.ˈtre] = between, intermediate, while, as long as etrezon = between me entrezout = between you (sg) entrezañ = between him entrezi = between her etrezomp = between us entrezoc’h = between you (pl) entrezo, entreze = between them etrebazhin, etrebazhiñ = to interpose etrekeltiek = inter-Celtic etrelakaat = to interpose etrevroadel = international

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁entér (between), from *h₁én (in) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include enter and under in English. onder (under, downwards) in Dutch, unter (under, below, among, between) in German, ndër (between, among, in, through) in Albanian [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between rhyngddo i = between me rhyngddot ti = between you (sg) rhyngddo fe/fo = between him rhyngddi hi = between her rhyngddon ni = between us rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl) rhyngddyn nhw = between them rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory rhyngrwyd = internet rhyngwladol = international cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)

rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between
kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Welsh (Cymraeg)

rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between
rhyngddo i = between me
rhyngddot ti = between you (sg)
rhyngddo fe/fo = between him
rhyngddi hi = between her
rhyngddon ni = between us
rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl)
rhyngddyn nhw = between them
rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected
rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory
rhyngrwyd = internet
rhyngwladol = international
cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	plith, plyth = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst ymplith, em plyth, ymlith, ymhlith = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plith = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst plithdraphlithdod = confusion, disorder plithwrtaith = compost tryblith = chaos, disorder, muddle ymhlith [əmˈɬiːθ] = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with

Etymology: unknown [source].

Decades

6th July 20237th July 2023 By Simon

Words for ten and related things in Celtic languages:

ten

Proto-Celtic	dekam = ten dekametos = tenth
Celtiberian	tekametam = tenth
Gaulish	decan = ten decametos = tenth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	deich [dʲexʲ] = ten dechmad = tenth, ten days deichenbor = ten people
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	deich, dech = ten dechmad, deachmadh = tenth, ten days deichenbor, dechnabar, dechnebur = ten people deichenborach = belonging to a company of ten deichthriub = The Ten Tribes of Israel
Irish (Gaeilge)	deich [dʲɛç/dʲɛh/dʲɛ] = ten (an) deichiú = tenth, tenth part deichniúr = ten people deichbhliantúil = decennial (consisting of or lasting 10 years; occuring every 10 years) deachú = tenth part, tithe deachúil = decimal deachúlaigh = to decimalize deachúlú = decimalization
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deich [dʲeç] = ten deicheamh [dʲeçəv] (10ᵐʰ) = tenth (10ᵗʰ) deichnear [dʲeçnər] = ten (people) deich ar fhichead = thirty Na Deich Àitheantan = The Ten Commandments deichead [dʲeçəd] = decade, decimal deicheachadh = (act of) decimalising, decimalisation deich-fillte = tenfold
Manx (Gaelg)	jeih [d͡ʒɛi] = ten (yn) jeihoo = (the) tenth jeihaght = decade, ten jeih keead = thousand jeih filley = ten-fold Jeih Annaghyn = Ten Commandments
Proto-Brythonic	deg [dɛːɡ] = ten degβ̃ed [dɛɡˈβ̃ɛːd] = tenth
Cumbric	dig, dick, dik = ten
Old Welsh	dec = ten
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dec = ten decuet, decvet, decfed = tenth decuettyd = tenth day dec a hugein(t) = thirty dec a dugein(t) = fifty dec a phedwar ugein(t) = ninety degeir = the Ten Commandments, Decalogue degniev = ten days deguyr, degwyr = ten men
Welsh (Cymraeg)	deg [deːɡ] = ten degfed [ˈdɛɡvɛd/ˈdɛɡvad] (10fed) = tenth degfetydd = tenth day deg ar hugain = thirty deg a thrigain = seventy deg a phedwar ugain = ninety dega(w)d = decade degiad = decimal degoes = ten ages or lifetimes, prolonged life degol = decimal, metric, tenth part degolaf, degoli = to decimalize; decimate, tithe degoliad = decimalization, decmiation, a tithing dengair = the Ten Commandments, Decalogue dengnïau = ten days dengnyn, dengw(y)r = ten men, ten persons
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dec, dék, dég = ten dege, degves = tenth dek warn-ugens, dék war-nugens, degwarnygnas = thirty deg ha dugans = fifty
Cornish (Kernewek)	deg = ten degves = tenth deg warn ugens = thirty deg ha dew ugens = fifty deg ha tri ugens = seventy deg ha peswar ugens = ninety degowek, degoweges = teenage, teenager degvledhen = decade
Old Breton	dec = ten
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dec, dêc, deg, dégeu, dek = ten decuet, dekved = tenth dec ha triuguent, dec ha tri vguent = seventy dec ha peuaruguent = ninety dek kant, dec-cant, dek-kant = thousand
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dek = ten dekvet = tenth dek ha tri-ugent = seventy dek ha pevar-ugent = ninety Dekalog = Decalogue, the Ten Commandments

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *déḱm̥ (ten) and *deḱm̥tós (tenth) [source].

English words from the same roots include ten, decade, decimal and decathlon [source].

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

Threesome

15th May 202313th July 2023 By Simon

Words for three and related things in Celtic languages:

three

Proto-Celtic	trīs = three tritiyos = third (in a sequence) trisano- = third (fraction*)
Celtiberian	Tiriś = three
Gaulish	treis = three (m) tiđres = three (f)
Lusitanian	*trīs = three
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tri, trí [tʲrʲiː] = three tress = third (in a sequence) trían = third (fraction) tríar = three (people) tréide = three things trédenus = three days tréimse = three months
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trí = three tress = third (in a sequence), one of three trímad = third (in a sequence) trían = third (fraction) tríar = three persons, trio, three things tréimse = three months, a quarter (of a year)
Irish (Gaeilge)	trí [tʲɾʲiː] = three tríú [tʲɾʲiːuː] = third (in a sequence), third part triúr [tʲɾʲuːɾˠ] = three (people) triantán = triangle triantánacht = trigonometry triantánaigh = to triangulate tríoiseach = three-dimensional
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trì [triː] = three treas [tres] (3ˢ) third (3ʳᵈ) treasamh (3ᵐʰ) third (3ʳᵈ) triùir [truːrʲ] = three (people) trì-fillte = triple, threefold, three-ply trian [triən] = third (part) triantan [triəndan] = triangle iantanachd [iantanachd] = trigonometry
Manx (Gaelg)	tree [t̪riː] = three troor = three (people), threesome, triad, Trinity, trio, trinity treeoo, trass = third trooane, troorane = triangle
Proto-Brythonic	tri [triː] = three (m) teir = three (f) trɨdɨð [trɨˈdɨːð] = third (m) trɨdeð = third (f)
Old Welsh	tri [triː] = three (m) teir = three (f) tritid = third (in a sequence) trean = third (fraction)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tri = three (m) teir, tair = three (f) trited, trydet, trydyd = third teir coglaỼc, trichonglaỼc, trichongloc = triangular, three-cornered trydeblyc, tridyblic = three times, threefold, triple
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tri [triː] = three (m), tair [tai̯r] = three (f) triawd = trio, threesome, triology, triple trichorn = three-horned, three-cornered, tricorn hat tric(h)onglog = triangular, three-cornered tri deg = thirty tridyblyg = three times, threefold, triple, triplicate trionglyn = triangle trydydd (3ydd) = third (m) trydedd (3edd) = third (f) teirgwaith = three times, thrice, on three occasions
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tri, trei = three (m) teir, teyr = three (f) triddydh = the space of three days tridzha = third trihans = three hundred trindas, trinsys = Trinity triugans = three score, sixty trivorh = three-pronged
Cornish (Kernewek)	tri, trei = three (m) trei = three (f) tredhek, terdhek = thirteen tressa, tryja = third triasen = triplet trihorn = triangle tryflek = threefold, triple teyrgweyth = three times
Old Breton	tri = three
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tri, try = three (m) teir, teyr = three (m) tri-c’hard = three quarters tri-ugent = sixty tri-chant = three hundred triad = trio, group of three tric’hogn, tricoign, tric’horn = triangle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tri = three (m) teir [ˈte.iʁ] = three (f) trived (m) teirved (f) = third trizek = thirteen tri-ugent = sixty trifarzh = three quarters tric’horn, tric’hogn = triangle

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tréyes (three – m) and *tisres (three – f) [source].

English words from the same roots include tertiary, three, thrice, three, triad, tripod, triple and triplex [source].

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

Grave Ditches

11th February 202311th February 2023 By Simon

Words for graves, ditches and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*bodyom = grave, ditch
Celtiberian	arkato-bezom = silver mine (?)
Proto-Brythonic	*beð = grave
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bed, bet = grave, tomb medraud, uedraut, bedraud = burial-place, grave, sepluchre, cemetery
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bedd [beːð] = grave, tomb, gravestone, tombstone, interred beddaf, beddu, beddo = to bury bedd-dorrwr = gravedigger beddfa = grave, tomb, mausoleum beddfaen = gravestone, tombstone beddrod = tomb, vault, grave, cemetery
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bedh = grave bedhy = to bury
Cornish (Kernewek)	bedh = grave, tomb bedhros = graveyard bedhskrif = epitaph
Middle Breton	bez = tomb, tombstone
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bez = grave, tomb, sepulchre

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰedʰ- (to dig, burrow). Words from the same PIE root include fossa (ditch, trench, moat, fosse, grave) in Latin, and possibly bed in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	úag = grave
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úag, úaig = grave
Irish (Gaeilge)	uaigh [uəɟ/uə] = grave
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uaigh [uəj] = grave, tomb, sepluchre uaigh staoin = shallow grave uaigh-thrannsa = passage grave uaigheach = sepulchral, abounding in graves uaigheachd = (act of) burying, burial
Manx (Gaelg)	oaie, oaye = grave, pit, sepulchre

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	reillic = grave
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	reilic = burial place, relics (of saints) reilcech = containg cemeteries
Irish (Gaeilge)	reilig [ˈɾˠɛlʲɪɟ/ˈɾˠɛlʲɪc/ˈɾˠɨ̞lʲɪɟ] = graveyard, burial ground; relics reiligire = sexton, grave-digger reiligireacht = caring for churchyard, grave-digging
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	réilig, réileag [r̪ˠeːlɪgʲ] = burial place, ossuary, stone chest réilig-cloiche = ossuary, stone chest réiligeach = like a churchyard, having a churchyard
Manx (Gaelg)	ruillick, rhullick = burial ground, cemetery, graveyard, necropolis, churchyard ruillick fo-halloo = catacombs ruillick ny moght = paupers’ grave

Etymology: from the Latin rēliquiae (remains, relics, remnants, survivors), from relinquō (I abandon, relinquish, forsake, leave), from the Proto-Italic *wrelinkʷō, ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European *leykʷ (to leave) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include loan in English, лишать [lʲɪˈʂatʲ] (to deprive, rob, bereave) in Russian, and possibly dìleab (bequest, inheritance, legacy) in Scottish Gaelic [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Taking Hold

10th January 202311th November 2023 By Simon

Words for to take, hold and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	gabyeti = to grab, seize, take, hold gabaglā = taking *atigabaglā = distraint (the legal right of a landlord to seize the property of a tenant in the event of nonpayment of rent)
Celtiberian	kabizeti = (?)
Gaulish	gabi- = to give (?) gabali = taking, seizure
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gaibid [ˈɡavʲiðʲ] = to hold, grasp, take, seize, capture, gain (victory), put on (clothing), recite, declare gabál = taking argaib [arˈɡavʲ] = to seize, capture athgabáil = recovery congaibid [konˈɡavʲ] = to contain, preserve, keep, uphold conocaibid [konˈhoɡəvʲ] = to raise, rise, uplift, exalt, extol fogaibid [foˈɡavʲ] = to find, discover, get, gain, obtain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gaibid = to hold, grasp, take, seize, capture, gain (victory), put on (clothing), recite, declare gabáil = taking athgabáil = the process of recovery of debts, etc. by distraint, plunder, booty aurgaibid = to seize, capture congmaid = to contain, preserve, keep, uphold
Irish (Gaeilge)	gabh [ɡavʲ/ɡo(ː)] = to take, arrest, go, come gabháil = taking aisghabh = to retake, recover possession of athghabháil = recapture, recovery, re-engagement gabh mo leithscéal = excuse me urghabh = to seize, capture
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gabh [gav] = take, go, recite, break (in) ath-ghabh = retake, recover, regain, impound gabh mo lethsgeul = excuse me, pardon gabhail [gahal] = taking, lease, tenure, conquest
Manx (Gaelg)	gow = to take gow my leshtal = excuse me, sorry, I beg your pardon goaill = acceptance, affect, apprehend, apprehension, arrest, capture, catch, contraction, engage, seizure, receive, take aaghoaill = to recapture, reconquer, re-engage, retake
Proto-Brythonic	gabal- = breadth, side gavaɣl = to hold, grasp
Old Welsh	gabael = to hold, grasp, grip
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	gauayleu, gauael = to hold, grasp, grip gauaelant, gauaelu, gavailio = to hold tight, take hold, clutch adauael, adafael = distraint (in law), distress, pledge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gafael [ˈɡavaɨ̯l/ˈɡaːvai̯l] = to hold, grasp, grip gafaeladwy = available gafaelaf, gafaelio = to hold tight, take hold, clutch, grip, arrest, grapple, snatch, seize gafaeliad = a holding, hold, grasp, capture, attachment, comprehension, adherence, spasm adafael = distraint (in law), distress, pledge
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gaval = to hold, lay hold of, grasp, have gavel = a hold, a grasp
Cornish (Kernewek)	gavel = capacity, grasp
Old Breton	gabael = to hold (?) adgabael = to recover (?)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʰeh₁bʰ- (to grab, take) [source].

The Spanish word gavilla (sheaf, gang, band) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Late Latin gabella and the Gaulish *gabali (taking, seizure) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include able, debt, debit, doubt and habit in English, avere (to have) in Italian, avoir (to have) in French, and haber (to hold, possess) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, 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].

Rotten Fragrance

19th July 20229th December 2023 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	*bragnos = rotten
Gaulish	brennos = rotten
Old Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brén [bʲrʲeːn] = foul, putrid, rotten, stinking
Irish (Gaeilge)	bréan [bʲɾʲiːa̯nˠ / bʲɾʲeːnˠ] = foul, putrid, rotten; to pollute, putrefy bréanlach = filthy place, cesspool bréanóg = refuse heap bréantachán = stinker bréantas = rottenness, stench, filth
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	breun [brʲeːn] = foetid, putrid, disgusting, filthy, nasty, stinking breunlach = sinking bog breunachd = corruption, rottenness breunan = dunghill, dirty person, dirty/smelly object, crabbit/grumpy person, grouch breunad = degree of foetidness/putridness, degree of disgustingness/filthiness/nastiness, degree of stink breuntas = stench, stink, putrefaction, putridness
Manx (Gaelg)	breinn = foetid, loathsome, malodorous, nasty, offensive, pestilential, putrid, rancid, rotten, smelly, stinking breinnaghey = to become smelly, putrefy, taint, stink
Proto-Brythonic	*braɨn = foul, stinking putrid
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brean = rotten
Welsh (Cymraeg)	braen [braːɨ̯n / brai̯n] = rotten, putrid, corrupt, mouldy, withered, fragile; rot, putrefaction, corruption, decay braen(i)ad = rotting, decomposition, rottenness, putridness braenu = to rot, putrefy, make/become corrupt, become mouldy braenedig = rotten, putrefied, corrupt, festering, gangrenous, mouldy, wounded
Cornish (Kernewek)	breyn = putrid, rotten breyna = to decay, rot breynans = decay breynder = rot
Middle Breton	brein = rotten
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brein [ˈbrɛ̃jn] = rotten, uncultivated (land) breinadur = corruption breinañ, breiniñ = to rot, decay breinidigezh = putrefaction

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰreHg- (to smell, have a strong odour) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include flair, fragrant, and bray in English, and брезгать (to be fastidious/squeamish, to disdain) in Russian [source].

The Gaulish word brennos was borrowed into Vulgar Latin and ended up as berner (to trick, fool, hoodwink) in French, via the Old French bren (bran, filth, excrement). The English word bran comes from the same Gaulish root, via the Middle English bran(ne) / bren and the Old French bren [source].

The Galician word braña (mire, bog, marsh, moorland) and the Asturian word braña (pasture, meadowland) are thought to come from the Proto-Celtic *bragnos, possibly via Celtiberian [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Heather

3rd May 20226th July 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*wroikos = heather
Gaulish	*wroika = heather
Celtiberian	*broikios = heather
Old Irish (Goídelc)	froích, fróech = heather
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fráech = heather
Irish (Gaeilge)	fraoch [fˠɾˠeːx / fˠɾˠiːx / fˠɾˠiːx] = heather, heath, moor fraochán = bilberry, whortleberry, ring-ouzel fraochlach = heath fraochmhá = heath fraochmhar = heathery fraoch bán = white heather fraoch coitianta = Scotch heather, ling píobaire fraoch = grasshopper
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fraoch [frɯːx] = heather, ling fraoch-geal = white common heather (Calluna vulgaris alba fraoch-bheinn = heather-covered mountain fraochan = whortleberry, blaeberry, lingonberry, cranberry fraochach = heathy, heathery
Manx (Gaelg)	freoagh = heather, ling, heath freoagh bane = brier, white heather freoagh marrey = sea fern freoagh mooar = Scotch heather
Proto-Brythonic	*gwrʉg [ˈɡwrʉːɡ] = heather
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gruc, gerug, gwrug = heather
Welsh (Cymraeg)	grug [ɡrɨːɡ / ɡriːɡ] = heather, ling heath grug cyffredin = heather, ling, common heath, Calluna vulgaris grugiar = (red) grouse, willow grouse, heath-hen gruglus = heath-berries gruglwyn = bush of heather, sweet broom grugnythu = to nest or nestle in the heather grugog = heath-covered, heathery, abounding in heather
Cornish (Kernwek)	grug [ɡryːɡ / ɡriːɡ] = heath, heather, ling grugyar = partridge
Middle Breton	groegan = heather
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brug [bryːk] = heather brugek [ˈbryː.ɡɛk] = (a place) abundant in heather, covered with heather

Etymology unknown, possibly from a non-Proto-Indo-European root [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish *wroikos (heather), and Latin *brūcus (heather) or Vulgar Latin *broccius, include brezo (heath) in Spanish, breixo (heather) in Galician, brugo (heather) and brughiera (heath, moor) in Italian, bruc (heather) and bruguera (heath) in Catalan, and bruyère (heather, heath, brier) in French [source].

Eilean Fraoch (Heather Isle) is a nickname for the Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais in the Western Isles / Na h-Eileanan Siar. Here’s a song about it:

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Celtiberian

Honey Wine

Muddy Mires

Betwixt and Between

Decades

Threesome

Grave Ditches

Taking Hold

Magic and Spells

Rotten Fragrance

Heather