Pickaxe

11th December 202311th December 2023 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	píce = pole, pike pícóid = mattock, pickaxe
Irish (Gaeilge)	píce [ˈpʲiːcɪ] = pike, fork, peak píceáil = pike, fork, pitchfork, peak píceálaí = forker, pitcher píceán = peak, tip
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pic, pìc [piːçgʲ] = pike pìceach [piːçgʲəx] = armed with pikes, abounding in pikes pìcear = pikeman
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pig = point, spike, pike pigo = to prick, pierce, goad, peck, sting, bite pigawd = a thrusting or stabbing with a spear, a pricking
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pig [piːɡ] = point, spike, pike, lance, pick(axe), prong, beak pigach = darts pigadail = obelisk, spire, pyramid, cone pigaf, pigo = to prick, pierce, goad, peck, sting, bite pig(i)aid = as much as can be picked up or carried on a pitchfork, beakful pigau = pitchfork, hay-fork pigawd = a thrusting or stabbing with a spear, a pricking pigell = goad, prick, prickle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	piga = to prick, prickle, sting pigol = mattock, pick, pickaxe
Cornish (Kernewek)	pig = grub axe, grubber, pick, pickaxe, pickle piga = to goad, incite, sting pigell = hoe, pick(axe), pickle pigallas = to hoe pigellik = picker
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pig = pickaxe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pik = piquant, point, pique pikañ = to sting, bite, pinch pikezenn = pike, spade (in cards) pigell = pickaxe

Etymology (Irish): from Old French pik(k)e, from Latin pīcca (pickace, pike), possibly from Frankish *pikkōn (to peck, strike), or from Frankish *pīk (sharp point, pike), from Proto-Germanic *pīkaz (sharp point, pike, pickaxe, peak) probably of imitative origin [source].

Etymology (Scottish Gaelic, Welsh & Cornish): probably from English pike or the Middle English pyke (pike, sharp point), which ultimately come from the same Proto-Germanic roots as pik(k)e in Old French.

Words from the same roots include peck, pick, pike, pique, pitch in English [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	caib [kɑbʲ/kabʲ] = dibble caibeáil = to plant with an implement, dibble caibeáilaí = planter (of seed), dibbler
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caibe [kɛbə] = space, mattock, iron part of tools caibe-sìthe = fairy spade (amulet given to sick people & cattle)
Manx (Gaelg)	kiebbey = spade, mattock
Old Welsh	cep = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keyp, keib, caib = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caib = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare caib garddwr = hoe caib big, caib bicys = pickaxe

Etymology: unknown

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

Axes and Hatchets

7th December 2023 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at the words for axe and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tāxslo- = axe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tál = adze
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	tál = adze
Irish (Gaeilge)	tál [t̪ˠɑːlˠ/t̪ˠæːlˠ] = adze
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàl [taːl̪ˠ] = adze tàl-fuinn = hoe
Manx (Gaelg)	taal = adze

An adze cutting tool that has a curved blade set at a right angle to the handle and is used in shaping wood. [source].

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *tetḱ-(dʰ)lo-, from *teḱ- (to sire, beget) [source]. Words from the same roots include architect, technical, text and textile in English, цясла́ [t͡sʲasˈɫa] (adze) in Belausian, тесло [tʲɪsˈɫo] (adze) in Russian, and teslă (adze) in Romanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	túag = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	túag = axe, hatchet túagaid = to hew, chop, strike with an axe túagrótae = roadway cleared with an axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	tua [t̪ˠuə] = axe, hatchet tuadóir = axe-man, hewer, chopper tuadóireacht = (act of) hewing, shaping, chopping tuaigh = to chop (with an axe)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuagh [tuəɣ] = axe tuaghadair = axeman, axe-wielder
Manx (Gaelg)	teigh = axe, chopper, hatchet

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)tewk- (to push, press, strike, beat, pierce), from *(s)tew- (to push, hit) [source]. Words from the same roots include tkát (to weave) in Czech, tkać (to weave, stick, tuck) in Polish, and тъка [tɐˈkɤ] (to spin, plait, entwine, weave) in Bulgarian [source], and words for hole & hollow in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*biyatlis = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	biáil [ˈbʲi.aːlʲ] = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bíail, biáil = axe, hatchet, battle-axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	biail [bʲiəlʲ] = hatchet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	biail = axe, hatchet (archaic)
Old Welsh	bahell = axe
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	buyall, bwell, bwyeill = axe bwyellic = small axe, hatchet bwyallawt = axe stroke bwiallawc = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bwyall, bwyell, bwell = axe, battle-axe bwyellan, bwyellig = small axe, hatchet bwyellangaib = pickaxe, hoe bwyellod, bwyallod = stroke or cut with an axe, axe stroke bwyellog, bwyallog = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe bwyellwr = woodman
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	biail, boell, bool = axe, hatchet
Cornish (Kernewek)	bool = axe, chopper, hachet bolik = (small) axe, chopper, hachet
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bouhazl, bouchazl, bouchal, boc’hal = axe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bouc’hal [ˈbuː.ɣal] = axe, hammered bouc’halig = hatchet

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *bināti (to strike, hit, beat) from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰi-né-h₂-ti, from bʰeyh₂- (to strike, hew) [source]. Words from the same roots include billhook and bone in English, bain (to extract, separate, strike) and béim (a blow, emphasis, beat) in Irish, gofid (grief, sorrow, regret) in Welsh [source].

Weak and Feeble

2nd December 2023 By Simon

Words for weak, feeble and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*lubros = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lobur = weak, sick, infirm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lobar, lobur, lobor = weak, infirm, sick, afflicted lobrae = weakness, infirmity, sickness lobrán = weakling, weak person, afflicted person loburda = sickly, ailing loibríne = weak little one
Irish (Gaeilge)	lobhar [tʲasˠ/tʲæsˠ] = leper, (literary) weak, ailing person, afflicted person lobhra = leprosy, (literary) weakness, infirmity, affliction lobhrach = leprous, (literary) weak, ailing, afflicted lobhrán = leper, (literary) weakling, afflicted person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lobhar [l̪ˠo.ər] = leper, disgusting wretch lobhar-leigheas = antiseptic
Manx (Gaelg)	lourane = heat, warmth louraanagh, louranagh, louraneagh = leprous loihrey, lourey; louraanys, louraneys = leprosy
Proto-Brythonic	*lluβr = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llwfyr, llwrf, llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid, faint-hearted, unadventurous, apathetic, shy, mean, idle, lazy, improvident; damp; coward llwfrgalon, llyfrgalon = timid, faint-hearted
Middle Breton (Brrezhonec)	loffr, lofr = leper, leprous, oaf lovradur = leprosy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lovr = leper, oaf lovrezh = leprosy lovrañ = to contract/give leprosy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *luprós and *lewp- (to peel, strip) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wannos = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fann = helpless, weak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fann = weak, helpless, soft, pliant fannach = weak, weakling fannaid = weakens, grows weak fanntaise = a swoon, faintness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fann [fanˠ] = faint, weak, languid fannaigh = to weaken, enfeeble, grow weak fannán = gentle breeze fanntais = faaint, swoon, fainting-fit
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fann [fãũn̪ˠ] = weak, feeble, faint, helpless, delicate fannachadh [fan̪ˠəxəɣ] = becoming/making weak, fainting fannachd [fan̪ˠəxg] = weakness, state of being off/spoilt (food) fanntas [fãũn̪ˠdəs] = weakness, faintness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guan, gvann, gwan(n) = weak, feeble guander, gvander, gwan(n)der = weakness, feebleness, debility guanhau, gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwan [ɡwan] =weak, feeble, languid, faint, mild, gentle, lenient, sad, depressing, gloomy, unlucky, foolish, simple, credulous, timid gwander = weakness, feebleness, debility gwanedu = to dilute gwanedig = enfeebled, enervated, faint gwanhad = weakening, enfeeblement, enervation gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Old Cornish	guan = weak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guan, gwan = weak, feeble, infirm, poor gwander = weakness, infirmity, debility
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwann, gwadn = faint, frail, weak gwanna, gwadna = to weaken gwannhe, gwadnhe = to weaken gwannliwek, gwadnliwek = pale
Old Breton	guoaean = weak
Middle Breton (Brezhonec)	guan, goan, goann = weak goanaff, goano = to weaken
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwan [ˈɡwãːn] = weak, intransitive gwanaat [ɡwãˈnɑːt] = to weaken gwanadenn, gwanded, gwander = weakness gwanadur = weakening, dimming gwanaj = weak gwanded [ˈɡwãn.det] = weakness

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁weh₂-sn (to disappear, vanish), *h₁weh₂- (to leave, abandon, give out). English words from the same PIE root include vacant, vacuum, vain, void, wane, want and waste [source]

Flowing Slowly

24th November 202324th November 2023 By Simon

Words for slow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	malnos/mallo- = slow, lazy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mall [mal͈] = slow, tardy, late utmall = unsteady, restless
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mall = slow, sluggish mallaigid = to make slow, retard maill, moill = tardiness, delay maillech = slowly-moving, leisurely, gentle admall = very slow, dilatory immall = very slow, wearisome, sad, sluggish utmall = unstable, fickle, restless
Irish (Gaeilge)	mall [mˠɑul̪ˠ/mˠɑːl̪ˠ/mˠal̪ˠ] = slow, late mallachar = slowness, dullness, dimness mallacharach = slow, dim mallaibh = of late, lately udhmhall = unstable, restless, unceratin, nimble, quick
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mall [maul̪ˠ] = slow, deliberate, placid mallan [mal̪ˠan] = sluggard, slowcoach mallanach [mal̪ˠanəx] = slow, dilatory
Manx (Gaelg)	moal = slow, sorry, tardy, unimpressive, backward, deliberate, dull, feeble, gradual, meagre

Etymology: possibly from PIE *mel- (to be late, hesitate) and *-nós (creates verbal adjectives) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	slaet = heap, layer, pile
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slaet = a swathe, layer, pile, illness, disease slaetach, slaebach = in layers, sweeping (hair)
Irish (Gaeilge)	slaod = swath, layer, flowing mass, prostration, stupefication, float, raft; to mow down, lay low, flow, drag, trail, trudge slaodach = in swaths, in layers, flowing, prostrating, heavy, oppressive, viscous slaodacht = viscosity slaodaí = trudger, slowcoach, lazy-bones slaodaíocht = trudging, slowness, laziness slaodchiallach = slow-witted
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	slaod [sl̪ˠɯːd] = raft, float, sledge, tow, drag, sluggard, slowcoach slaodach [sl̪ˠɯːdəx] = slow, sluggish, dilatory, dragging, pulling, awkward, clumsy slaodachadh [sl̪ˠɯːdəxəɣ] = dragging, hauling, slowing down slaodachd [sl̪ˠɯːdəxg] = slowness, drowsiness, awkwardness
Manx (Gaelg)	sleayd = dredge, trail, sledge, trailer sleaydagh = trailing sleayder = lug, trailing

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*aramo- = quiet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	araf, arav [ˈarav] = slow, leisurely, calm, quiet arafu = to be(come) or make slow, slow down arafaidd, arauaidd = slow, gradual, mild, gentle arafhau = to make or become quiet or calm,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	araf [ˈarav] = slow, gradual, tedious, tiresome, mild, meek, gentle, tender arafu = to be(come) or make slow, slow down, retard arafaidd = slow, gradual, mild, gentle, lovely, pleasant arafedd = slowness, gentleness, tenderness arafhau = to make or become quiet or calm, ease, abate, moderate arafol = slow, gradual, slowing, delaying

Etymology: from PIE *h₁r̥h₃-mo-, from *h₁reh₃- (rest). Words from the same roots include Ruhe (calm, quietness, rest) in German, ro (calmness) in Danish, ro (peace, quiet, tranquility) in Swedish, and unruly in English [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*segʉr = idle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	segur = idle segyra, segura, seguru, segvro = to (be) idle segyrllyt, segurllyd = idle, lazy, sluggish, slothful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	segur [ˈsɛɡɨ̞r / ˈseːɡɪr] = idle, unoccupied, inactive, lazy, slothful, disused, idle seguro = to (be) idle, laze, linger, lounge around, rest segurdod = idleness, laziness segurllyd = idle, lazy, sluggish, slothful segurwr = idler, lazy person
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	sigyr, zigyr = sluggish, lazy
Cornish (Kernewek)	syger = idle, lazy, lethargic, slow sygera = to seep, trickle sygerans = seep(age) sygerneth = idleness, laziness, lethargy sygerus = at leisure, leisurely

Etymology: from Latin sēcūrus (careless, carefree, negligent, safe, secure), from sē- (without) and‎ cūra (care). Words from the same root include secure and sure in English, sicuru (safe, secure, sure) in Italian, seguro (secure, safe, sure) in Spanish and säker (safe, secure, sure, certain) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*uɸostatos = stable
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fossad = firm, steady
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fossad, fossud = stationary, fixed, firm, steady, steadfast, consistent, flat surface, level place, stopping-place, abode
Irish (Gaeilge)	fosadh = stop, stay, rest, stable position, steadiness, stability
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fosadh [fɔsəɣ] = cessation, desisting, recess, respite, (act of) abiding
Proto-Brythonic	*gwostad = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwastat, guastat = flat, level, smooth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwastad [ˈɡwastad] = flat, level, smooth, even, horizontal, continual, constant, quiet, peaceful, gentle, plain, level
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwastas = flat, open, plain, smooth
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goustat, goustadic, goustadec, goustadic = gently, slowly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gou(e)stad = slow, slowly doustadik = slow, slowly

Etymology: unknown [source].

Another word for slow in Cornish is lent, and lenthe means to slow down. This is possibly from (Old) French lent (slow), or from Latin lentus (sticky, slow, flexible).

In Middle Cornish the word hel means slow or tardy, and cosel/kozal means soft, quiet, slow or sluggish, which became kosel (calm, quiet, restful, still, tranquil) in revived Cornish.

Another Proto-Celtic word for slow is *dwāyo-. This became doé / doe (slow, sluggish) in Old Irish and Middle Irish, but has no descendents I can find in the modern Celtic languages.

Deceitful Errors

17th November 202317th November 2023 By Simon

Words for to error, deceit and related things in Celtic languages.

Deceitful Errors

Proto-Celtic	welsos = error, deceit wolsos = something wrong
Gaulish	uolson = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fell = deceit, treachery fellaid = to act deceitfully faill = neglect
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fell = deceit, treachery felle = treachery felmaíne = deceitful riches faill, fall = neglect, negligence
Irish (Gaeilge)	feall [fʲɑːl̪ˠ/fʲal̪ˠ] = deceit, treachery, let-down, failure; to prove false to, betray, fail fealladh = deception, betrayal, failure. feallaire = deceiver, betrayer feallaireacht = deception, betrayal fealltach = deceitful, treacherous fealltacht = deceitfulness, treachery feallatóir = betrayer, traitor feallatóireacht = betraying, treachery faill = negligence, omission, chance, opportunity, time, occasion, cessation, easement
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feall [fjaul̪ˠ] = treachery, conspiracy, trickery, deceit, falsehood feallachadh [fjal̪ˠəɣ] = deceiving, deceit, deception feallag [fjal̪ˠag] = trick feallsach [fjaul̪ˠsəx] = mendacious, false, mock, pseudo feallsachd [fjaul̪ˠsəxg] = mendacity, deceit fealltach [fjaul̪ˠdəx] = fraudulent, traitorous fealltair [fjaul̪ˠdɪrʲ] = deceiver, traitor
Manx (Gaelg)	foall = deceit, felony, murder, slyness foalsaght = deceit(fulness), fallacy, falseness, hollowness, hypocrisy foalsey = affected, bogus, counterfeit, fallacious foalsid = affectation, deceitfulness, falseness, fictitiousness, perfidiousness, untruth foalserey = deceiver, hypocrite, sycophant
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	guall, gvall, gwall = mistake, error, oversight, fault gwallawc, gwallawg = negligent, careless, loose, faulty, defective guallus, gwalus, gwallus = negligent, careless, heedless, slack, remiss
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwall [ɡwaɬ/ɡwa(ː)ɬ] = mistake, error, oversight, fault, wrong, deceit, lie, defect, negligence, faulty, evil, deficient gwallgof = madness, insanity, delirium, mad, insane gwallgofaf, gwallgofi = to go mad, become insane, be frenzied or frantic gwallog = negligent, careless, loose, faulty, defective gwallus [ˈɡwaɬɨ̞s/ˈɡwaɬɪs] = negligent, careless, heedless, slack, remiss
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwall = accident, defect, neglect gwallus = accidental gwaluster = casualty
Old Breton	guoael = bad, wrong
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goall, goual, goal, gual(l) = bad, wrong
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwall [gwal] = bad, wrong, nasty, naughty gwallus = harmful gwallvrudañ = to defame gwallvruder = slanderer gwallvruderezh = deffamation, slandering gwallwir = concussion gwalladenn = rape

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(h₁)welh₁(bʰ)-,, from *wel- (to deceive) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Facing Opposition

10th November 202311th November 2023 By Simon

Words for face and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gnūstis = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gnúis [ɡnuːsʲ] = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gnúis = face, countenance, disc (of sun or moon), aspect, kind, form, species dognúisach = ill-featured, ill-favoured
Irish (Gaeilge)	gnúis [ɡn̪ˠuːʃ/ɡɾˠuːʃ] = face, mien, countenance, sour expression, frown, aspect, kind, form gnúiseach = well-favoured, good-looking. gnúiseachán = sour-faced person. gnúisgheal = bright-faced gnúis-searbh = sour-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnùis [gruːʃ] = face, countenance, visage gnùis-dhreach = aspect gnùis-bhrat = veil samhla-gnùis = smiley ☺️, emoticon maise-gnùis = cosmetics ruadhadh-gnùis = blush
Manx (Gaelg)	grooish = countenance, visage, aspect grooish-volley = deceit, deceive geyre-ghrooishagh = sharp-faced sharroo-ghrooishagh = vinegar-faced
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gnis = jaw, chin, countenance, face
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gnis [miːl] = jaw, chin, countenance, face gnisiaf, gnisio = to low, neigh, sigh, pant, groan, grumble
Cornish (Kernewek)	greuv = face, front

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same roots include cognition, cunning, gnome, ignorant, know, noble and uncouth in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*enekʷos = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	enech = face, honour, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	enech, ainech = face, front, opposite, against, in opposition to enechgris = face-flushing enechlóg = honour-price
Irish (Gaeilge)	oineach = honour, good name, reputation, generosity, hospitality, bounty, favour oineachúil = generous, good-natured eineach = face (literary) eineachlann = ‘honour-price’, proportionate compensation, satisfaction for injury, etc eineachras = safeguard, protection
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eanach [ɛnəx] = honour, praise
Proto-Brythonic	*ėnib = face
Old Welsh	enep = face
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wynep, wyneb, vynep = face wynebiat, wnepiat, wynepiat = surace, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion, wynebyon = surface, scum, froth,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wyneb [ˈwɨnɛb / ˈwɨnab] = face, countenance, expression, grimace, surface, area, front, side, honour, respect, status, effrontery, impudence, audacity, cheek wynebaf, wynebu = to face, look towards, confront, oppose, encourage, support (g)wynebiad = surace, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion = surface, scum, froth, head (of beer), cream (g)wynebol = honourable, worthy, facial, front, facing, promising, favourable, handsome, beautiful
Old Cornish	eneb = face
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	enep, enap = face, countenance, page (of a book)
Cornish (Kernewek)	enep = face, surface enebi = to face, oppose enebieth = opposition
Old Breton	enep = face
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	enep = face, resistance, opposition, opposite
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eneb [ˈẽːnep] = face, opposite, honour enebenn [e.ˈneː.bɛn] = upper, front, page eneberezh = opposition enebiñ = to oppose

Etymology: from the PIE *h₁enih₃kʷos (face), from animālis (animate, living), from *h₁én (in) and *h₃ókʷs (eye), and okno (window) in Czech [source].

Words from the same roots include eye in English, acs (eye, vision, attention) in Latvian, akis (eye, loop) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*antonos = forehead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	étan = brow, forehead
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	étan, édan = front, brow, forehead étanán = frontlet
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadan [ˈeːd̪ˠən̪ˠ/ˈeːd̪ˠənˠ] = front, face, flat surface, facet, table, end éadána = timid, diffident éadánacht = timidity, diffidence éadanchlár = fascia
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aodann [ɯːdən̪ˠ] = face, front, dial, side aodannach [ɯːdən̪ˠəx] = little face, mask, frontispiece aodann-clò = typeface aodann-coimheach = mask aodann creige = rockface, cliff-face
Manx (Gaelg)	eddin = face, facade, feature, front, apron, dial, impudence, cheek eddinagh = facial

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (face, forehead, front). Words from the same roots include answer, end in English, and anë (side, edge, verge, brink) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	agad [ˈaɣəð] = face, honour, surface
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	agad, aiged = face, countenance, surface, front
Irish (Gaeilge)	aghaidh [əiɟ/ai/əi̯] = face, front, aspect, dial (of clock), obverse (of coin) aghaidhbhéasach = civil-looking aghaidh-dhána = bold-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aghaidh [ɤː.ɪ] = face, visage, facade, front, facing, cheek, impudence, nerve aghaidheachd [ɤː.ɪjəxg] = resistance aghaidhich = oppose, face, confront, affront aghaidhichte = opposed, opposing, fronting, facing, confronted
Manx (Gaelg)	oai = countenance oaie = dial, exposure, facade, face, facial, front, frontage oaieagh = blasphemous, sepulchral

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to the Old Irish aigid (to drive), from Proto-Celtic *ageti (to drive), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti (to be driving) [source].

Proto-Celtic	drikā = face, front ɸaredrikā = face, front
Old Irish (Goídelc)	drech = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drech, dreach = face, countenance, front, surface drechach = fair, comely, graceful, shapely
Irish (Gaeilge)	dreach [dʲɾʲax] = facial appearance, look, expression, aspect, face, surface dreachadh =delineation, portrayal, make-up dreachadóir = delineator dreachúil = good-looking, comely
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dreach [drɛx] = figure, form, shape, appearance, complexion dreachmhor [drɛxvər] = comely, handsome, a healthy complexion dreachadh [drɛxəɣ] = portraying, shaping, adorning dreachail [drɛxal] = handsome, personable dreachalachd [drɛxəl̪ˠəxg] = handsomeness
Manx (Gaelg)	dreagh = expression
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyrch = face drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrich, edrych = to look, view, observe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drych [drɨːχ / driːχ] = mirror, looking-glass, reflection, example, magnifying-glass, glasses, countenance, appearance, aspect drachaf, drychu = to mirror, see, make apparent drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrych = regard, appearance edrych(af) = to look, view, observe, watch, search
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	derch = shape, aspect, appearance

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dr̥ḱ-eh₂ from *derḱ- (to see) [source]. Words from the same roots include dragon, drake and tarragon in English [source].

Order

1st November 20231st November 2023 By Simon

Words for order and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ord = order, sequence ordaigidir = to order, ordain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ord, ordd, ort, órd = order, sequence, arrangement, state, way, course, procedure, degree, rank, dignity, ritual, office ord(d)ad = ordering, arranging ord(d)aigecht = dignity, nobility ord(d)aigid(ir) = to order, ordain, institue, appoint ord(d)aigthe = ordered, ordained, arranged ord(d)an = dignity, honour, pre-eminence
Irish (Gaeilge)	ord [əuɾˠd̪ˠ / ɔːɾˠd̪ˠ] = order, sequence, arrangement ordaigh = to order, command, prescribe, ordain, recommend ordaiteach = imperative ordaithe = ordered, stipulated ordan = honour, dignity, rank, pre-eminence ordanáilte = neat, ordered ordú = to order, command ordúil = orderly, neat, ordered ordúilacht = orderliness, neatness, tidiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òrd [or̪ˠd] = order òrdach [or̪ˠdəx] = orderly, regular òrdachadh [or̪ˠdəxəɣ] = commanding, ordering òrdachail [or̪ˠdəxal] = prescriptive òrdan [or̪ˠdan] = order, statute òrdugh [or̪ˠdu] = order, prescription, command
Manx (Gaelg)	oardyr, ordyr = order oardagh = arrangement, array, commission, decree, directive, order, rite, ritual, sequence oardee = to bid, command, order oarderit = ordained, ordered, regulated oardit = appointed, authorized, decreed, ordained, ordered oardoil = orderly, oridinal oardreilys = order, system
Proto-Brythonic	*ʉrð = order
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	urd, urdd = holy orders, order urdav, vrdav = to appoint to an honour, duty, or office urdein, urtyein, urtdein, urtein, vrddain = dignified, honourable, praiseworthy urtas, vrdas, urdas = dignity, honour, nobility vrddassav, urddasu, vrddassv = to dignify, honour, venerate vrdasseyd, urdasseid, vrdasseid = dignified, honourable urtassaỼc, urddasog = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble
Welsh (Cymraeg)	urdd [ɨ̞rð / ɪrð] = holy orders, (religious, military, chivalric, taxonomic) order, dignity, honour, discipline, rule, control, manner urddaf, urddo = to appoint to an honour, duty, or office, ordain, crown, dub (knight), honour, elevate, dignify, dedicate urdd(i)ain = dignified, honourable, praiseworthy urddas = dignity, honour, nobility, (high) rank, reputation, status urddasaf, urddasu = to dignify, honour, venerate, revere, elevate, ennoble urddasaidd = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble, orderly urddasog = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble
Cornish (Kernewek)	urdh = order urdhas = hierarchy urdhya = to initiate urdhyans = initiation
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	eurz, urz, vrz = order, arrangement, command
Breton (Brezhoneg)	urzh [yrs] = order, right, authorisation urzhad [ˈyrzat] = (biological) order urzhaz = hierarchy urzhiadur = prescription, order, arrangment, ordination urzhiañ [ˈyrzjã] = to order, arrange, organise urzhiataer [yr.zja.ˈtɛːr] = computer

Etymology: from Latin ōrdō (order, row, series, class, condition, group), from Proto-Italic *ordō (row, order), probably from Proto-Indo-European *h₂or-d-, from *h₂er- (to fit, fix, put together). Words from the same roots include arm, art, harmony, order, ordinary, ornate and reason in English, orden (order) in Spanish and Ordnung (arrangement, regulation) in German [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, 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

Hiding & Concealment

28th October 202329th October 2023 By Simon

Words for hide, conceal and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kelo- = to hide keleti = to hide, conceal
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ceilid = to hide, conceal
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ceilid = to hide, conceal, admit, allow, concede, withhold, hoard, suppress, destroy ceilt = act of hiding, concealing, suppressing cel = concealment, dissolution, extinction, death celt = covering, garment, clothing celtair = concealment, covering, garment, cloak
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceil [kɛlʲ] = to conceal, suppress, withhold ceileantas = concealment, secrecy ceileatram = disguise, veneer ceilt = concealment, withholding, denial ceilteanas = concealment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceil [kʲel] = concealment, death (archaic) ceileadh [kʲeləɣ] =(act of) concealing, hiding ceilear [kʲelər] = concealer, someone who hides, screener ceilt [kʲeldʲ] = concealment ceilte [kʲeldʲə] = concealed, hidden ceilteach [kʲeldʲəx] = concealing, reserved
Manx (Gaelg)	keill = to hide keiltyn = to coneal, cover (up), disguies, hide, shelter; concealment, dissimulation, suppression keiltynys = camouflage, furtiveness, hiding
Proto-Brythonic	*kelɨd =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cêl, cel = hiding, concealment, shelter kelv, kelu, kely = to hide, conceal celadwy, keladwy = hidden, concealed, private, secret keledic = hidden, concealed, secret
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cêl [kɛːl/keːl] = hiding, concealment, shelter, bower, hidden, secret celaf, celu [ˈkɛlɨ̞/ˈkeːli/ˈkɛli] = to hide, conceal, keep secret celadwy = hidden, concealed, private, secret celdy = bower, arbour celedig = hidden, concealed, secret, dissembled celedigaeth = concealment, secrecy celedd = secretiveness, caution datgelaf, datgelu = to reveal, detect, blab, solve
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	celes, celys, kelys = to conceal, hide
Cornish (Kernewek)	kel = hidden, secret keles = to conceal, hide keles ha kavos = hide-and-seek

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱéleti (to be covering, hiding), from *ḱel- (to cover) [source].

Words from the same roots include words for cell and church in Celtic languages, cell, cellar, clandestine, conceal, hall, hell, helmet and occult in English, and the name William [source].

Words such as Celt and Celtic, and their equivalents in other languages possibly come from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via the French celtique (Celtic), Latin Celtae (the Celts) and the Greek Κελτοί (Keltoí) / Κέλται (Kéltai), which is what Herodotus called the Gauls. They might have originally meant something like ‘descendents of the hidden one (the underworld deity)’, and according to Julius Caesar, the Gauls claimed descent from an underworld god [source].

In Breton, kuzh means secret and confidential, and kuzhat means to hide. They are cognate with the Welsh words cudd (concealment, secrecy) and cuddio (to hide, conceal), and the Cornish words kudh (concealed, hidden, secret) and kudha (to conceal, hide). See the Celtiadur post Mysterious Secrets for more details.

Size & Quantity

18th October 202318th October 2023 By Simon

Words for size, amount, quantity and related things in Celtic languages.

Size & Quantity

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*mantī = size, quantity
Old Irish (Goídelc)	méit [mʲeːdʲ] = amount, extent, greatness, quantity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	méit, mét = greatness, magnitude méite, méte, méide = size, amount, extent
Irish (Gaeilge)	méid [mʲeːdʲ] = amount, quantity, extent, degree, number; size, magnitude ainmhéid = hugeness, overgrowth cóimhéid = equal size or amount gearrmhéid = fair size gháthmhéid = ordinary, average, size lánmhéid = full size meánmhéid = medium size ollméid = great, size, hugeness, immensity méadaigh = to increase, multiply, enlarge, augment méadail = paunch, stomach méadaíocht = grown state, increase, growth, self-importance, friendship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meud [miad] = size, largeness, amount, quantity, dimension meudmhor = ample, sizeable meudachd = dimension, bulk, greatness, magnitude, size, scale meudachadh = increasing, expanding, augmenting meudaichte = increased, expanded, augmented làn-mheud = full size mòr-mheud = great size ro-mheud = excessive size / amount
Manx (Gaelg)	mooad = amount, quantity mooadys = amount, amplitude, augmentation, capacity, dimension mooadagh = bulky, expansionist, large, sizeable mooadaghey = aggravation, amplify, augment, develop, developing, enlarge mooad-vaghteyr = quantity surveyor
Proto-Brythonic	*mėnt = vain (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	meint, meynt, mint = size, stature, amount kymeint, kemeint, cymain = as great, as large, as big meintholy, meynholy, meintoli = to specify an amount, measure
Welsh (Cymraeg)	maint [mai̯nt] = size, dimension, magnitude, stature, amount, sum, number, quantity, the whole, all, as many, such maintiol(i)aeth = size, dimension, measure, quantity cymaint = as great, as large, as big, as many, as much (pa) faint? = how many? how many? meintiol = quantitative mein(ti)olaf, meint(i)oli = to specify an amount, measure, quantify, value meint(i)oliad = quantification
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	mens, mŷns = magnitude, greatness, quantity
Cornish (Kernewek)	myns, mens = amount, quantity, as many as mynsek, mensek = considerable, sizeable mynsonieth, mensonieth = geometry
Old Breton	ment, mint =
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ment, mænt, men = size, dimension
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ment [ˈmɛnt/ˈmẽnt] = size, dimension, measure, format mentad = measure mentadañ = to measure, format mentadur = quantification mentel [ˈmẽntɛl] = dimensional, quantitative

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mh₁-nt-, from *meh₁- (to measure) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include immense, meal, measure, meter / metre, metronome and probably moon and month in English, vermaren (to make famous) and maal (meal, time, turn) in Dutch, and mærð (flattery, praise) in Icelandic [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, 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

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: English

Pickaxe

Axes and Hatchets

Weak and Feeble

Flowing Slowly

Deceitful Errors

Facing Opposition

Order

Hiding & Concealment

Size & Quantity

Haughty Pride