Steps

23rd December 202131st December 2021 By Simon

Words for steps and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*kanxsman = step, act of stepping
Gaulish	*kamman = step
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céimm [ˈkʲeːmʲ] = step; rank (in a hierarchy)
Irish (Gaeilge)	céim [ceːmʲ] = step, degree, rank, pass, ravine, difficulty céimnigh = to step, grade, graduate céimniú = stepping, tread, grading, graduation aischéim = backward step ardchéim = high rank, dignity, higher degree bunchéim = primary degree, positive (degree) coiscéim = footstep, pace
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceum [kʲeːm] = step, footstep, pace, tread, path, degree, measure cois-cheum = step, pace ceum-coise = footstep, footpath
Manx (Gaelg)	keim = phase, step, degree, stage, standard, stile, grade keimagh = postgraduate keimee = to graduate, promote
Proto-Brythonic	*kamman = step
Old Welsh	cemmein = step
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cam, camm, kam = step
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cam [kam] = step, stride, pace, leap, foot-fall, footprint, trace, progress camu, camaf = to step over, take a stride, take strides, pace camâd = stile
Cornish (Kernewek)	kamm = pace, step, track
Middle Breton	cam = step
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kamm = pace, walk tread, (foot)step kammed = step

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *kengeti (to step), from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)keng- (to limp, walk lamely) [source]

Words from the same Gaulish root (*kamman) include: cammīnus (way) in Latin, camino (track, path, road, way, route, journey) and caminar (to walk, stroll, travel) in Spanish, caminho (way, road, path) in Portugese, cammino (walk, path, way) and camminare (to walk, work (function)) in Italian, and chemin (path, way, pathway) in French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Heat

21st December 20211st December 2023 By Simon

Words for heat, warmth and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*texstus = heat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tess = heat, warmth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tess, tes = heat, warmth, sultriness, fervour, zeal aintes = excessive heat tesbach, teasbhach = heat, warmth, sultriness, ardour, fury, illess, fever tessach = feverish heat, fever tessaide = hot, warm, sultry tessaigid = to warm, heat
Irish (Gaeilge)	teas [tʲasˠ/tʲæsˠ] = heat, hotness, warmth; warm clothing, warm place; degree of hotness; high temperature, feverishness; ardour, passion; hottest, highest, stage teasach = feverish heat, fever teasaí = hot, warm; ardent, passionate; hot feverish; hot-tempered, fiery teasaíocht = heat, warmth; ardour, passion; feverishness; hot temper, fire teasaire = heater
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teas [tʲes] = heat, hotness; temperature; heating (in metallurgy) teas-mheidh = thermometer teasach = fever, restlessness (caused by heat), mo(u)lt; thermal teasadair / teasraiche / teasachan = heater
Manx (Gaelg)	çhiass = heat, warmth çhiassveih = thermometer çhiasseyder = radiator, heater, warmer çhiassid = hotness, temperature çhiassagh = febrile, feverish
Proto-Brythonic	tes = heat, warmth
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tes = heat, warmth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tes [teːs] = heat (of the sun), warmth, (period of) warm weather, sunshine, (heat) haze, mist cynes [ˈkənɛs] = warm (from cyn (co-) and tes) tesaint = passion, zeal; heat, warmth teser = (heat) haze tesiad = a warming tesio, tesiaf = to shine (of the sun) tesog = hot, sunny, close sultry
Old Cornish	tes = heat
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tes = heat, warmth
Cornish (Kernewek)	tes = heat tesa = to heat tesek = hot tesel = thermal
Old Breton	tes = heat
Middle Breton (Brezhonec)	tez, tès = heat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tes = heat

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *tep- (to be warm, to be hot) [source]. Celtic words from fire come from the same PIE root via the Proto-Celtic *teɸnets (fire) [source]

The English word tepid comes from the same PIE root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*teɸents = heat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	té, tee [tʲeː] = hot, warm; lustful, wanton; comfortable, sheltered; fervent; fierce, keen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	té, te = warm, hot, comfortable, sheltered, fervent, fierce, keen, bold
Irish (Gaeilge)	te [tʲɛ] = hot, warm; pungent; ardent, hot-tempered, vehement, hotfoot; affectionate, comfortable teobhlasta = hot (spicy) teochroí = warm-heartedness, warmth, affection teochroíoch = warm-hearted teocht = warmth, heat, temperature teofholach = warm-blooded alathe = lukewarm téamh = heating, warming, distillation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teth [tʲeh] = hot ain-teth = scorching, exceedingly hot, ardent, vehement, eager, inflamed
Manx (Gaelg)	çheh = fevered, fervent, heated, hot, impassioned, passion, sexually precocious, thermal, warm çhiow = to warm up, warm, warming up, inclined, yearned, heat,warmed

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *tep- (to be warm) [source].

Proto-Celtic	gʷrensos, gʷrīnnso- = heat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	grís = heat (of the sun), fire, embers
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	grís, gríss = heat, fire, embers, hot ashes; glow, ardour, valour, passion
Irish (Gaeilge)	gríos [ɡɾʲɪsˠ] = hot ashes, embers; heat, glow, ardour; rash, blotches (on skin) gríosach = glowing gríosóg = spark from embers, inflamed spot, rash gríosóir = inciter, agitator gríostaitneamh = burning, rosy, glow gríosú = inflammation, incitement, stimulation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	grìos [grʲiːs] = begging, entreaty; heat, embers, redness, inflammation, provocation grìosad [grʲiəsəd] = begging, beseeching, entreating, cursing, swearing, stirring up a fire, provoking
Manx (Gaelg)	gree [ɡriː] = heat greeshagh = arouse (passions), arousing, vibrant, ember greeshaghey = to aggravate, chivvy, set on, whip up, arouse (passions)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwres, ywres, gỼres = heat, warmth guressaei = to heat, warm guressauc, gwressawc = hot, very warm gwresoca, gwresogi = to make warm or hot
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwres [ɡwreːs] = heat, warmth, hot weather, feverishness, itching; intensity (of feeling), passion, lust, vehemence, ardour, fervour, zeal, enthusiasm gwresâf, gwresáu = to heat, warm gwresio, gwresu = to become heated, heat, generate heat, emit warmth gwresog = hot, very warm, summery, heat-giving, calorific gwresogi = to make warm or hot, provide warmth, heat
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwres = heat
Middle Breton (Brezhonec)	groès, groës = heat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwrez = heat, temperature, ardent, fervent, blazing gwrezus = calorific gwrezverk = temperature

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰer- (warm, hot) [source]. English words from the same PIE root include furnace, gore, thermal and warm [source].

Proto-Celtic	teɸesmis/tefesmi- = heat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tui, tvymyn, tỼym, twym [tuːɨ̯m/tʊi̯m] = warm, (quite) hot, infectious, fervent, intense, passionate, heated, unpleasant, dangerous, heat, fever twymna, tỼymaỼ, twymo = to make/become warm or hot twymder = warmness, warmth, hotness, heat twymyn = fever
Welsh (Cymraeg)	twym [tuːɨ̯m/tʊi̯m] = warm, (quite) hot, infectious, fervent, intense, passionate, heated, unpleasant, dangerous, heat, fever twym(n)af, twym(n)o = to make/become warm or hot, to warm, to heat, to ferment twymder = warmness, warmth, hotness, heat twym(n)wr, twymydd = person or thing that warms, heater twymyn = fever, warm drink
Old Cornish	toim, tum = hot, warm, heated
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tom = hot, warm tomder = heat, warmth tomma = to make warm, to warm tubm = hot, burning tubma = to make hot, to heat, to warm
Cornish (Kernewek)	tomm, tobm = hot, warm tomm y wos, tobm y woos = hot-blooded tomma, tobma = to warm, become warm tommhe, tobmhe = heat, warm tommheans, tobmheans = heating tommheans ollvysel, tobmheans ollvesel = global warming
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tomm, toem, tuem = hot, warm, heat toemaff, tomaff = to heat, to warm up toemder, tomder = heat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tomm [tɔmː] = hot, warm tommañ = to heat, to warm up, to be fond of, to become attached to tommder = heat tommerez = stove tommerezh = boiler room

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *tep- (to be warm, to be hot) [source]. Words for fire in Celtic languages come from the same root.

Proto-Celtic	*brutus = fermentation, boiling heat
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bruth [bruθ] = boiling, fury, glow, heat, rage, vehemence
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	bruth = (boiling) heat, blaze, glow, anger, fury, excitement, fervour, valour bruthach = fiery, furious, vigorous bruthmar = fiery, raging, furious, ardent
Irish (Gaeilge)	bruth [bˠɾˠʊ(h)] = heat, rash, eruption, nap, pile, covering, surf bruthach = hot, fiery, napped, fluffy bruthaire = cooker bruthán = (slight) rash brufar = ardent, fiery, lively
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bruth [bruhθ] = hotness (of skin), hot and confined space, red-hot object, heat, fire bruthainn [bruhɪn̪ʲ] = sultriness, sultry heat bruthairneach [bruhər̪n̪ʲəx] = muggy, sultry, sweltry bruich = to cook, boil
Manx (Gaelg)	brooan = rash, eruption, skin disorder
Old Welsh	brut = hot, warm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brytt, brwt, brwd = hot, warm, heat brytio = to heat, warm, boil
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brwd [bruːd] = hot, warm. heated, ardent, boiled, fervent, zealous, heat, brew(ing), brwdfrydu = to enthuse, speak or feel with fervour brwdfrydedd = zeal, enthusiasm, fervour, fanaticism brwdfrydig = zealous, enthusiastic, fervent, ardent brwdias = hot, heated, fiery, parboiling brydio = to heat, warm, boil
Old Cornish	bredion = to boil
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bredion, bridzhen = to boil
Cornish (Kernewek)	bryjyon = to boil bryjys = boiled
Old Breton	brot = ember
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	broud = ember, excitement
Breton (Brezhoneg)	broud [bruːt] = ember, excitement broudañ [bruˈdɑːdɛn] = to burn, scald broudus [ˈbruːdys] = stimulant

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrewh₁- (to boil, brew), from *bʰer- (to boil) [source]. Words for the same roots include bread, brew, broth, burn and fervor in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷoxtos = cooked, hot
Proto-Brythonic	*poɨθ [ˈpoɨ̯θ] = cooked, hot
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	poeth = hot, burning poethi = to heat, warm, burn, scorch, roast
Welsh (Cymraeg)	poeth [poːɨ̯θ/pɔi̯θ] = hot, burning, fervent, intense, lustful, roast, cooked poethaf, poethi = to heat, warm, burn, scorch, roast poethder = heat, hotness, burning, inflammation, ardour, zeal, fervour poethineb = passion, ardour, zeal, hot-headedness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	poth = hot
Cornish (Kernewek)	pooth = hot, scorching potha = to heat, scorch
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	poaz = cooked, grilled, burning poazat, poazet = to cook, bake
Breton (Brezhoneg)	poazh [bruːt] = cooked, burned, burning poazhadur = cooking, baking, roasting poazhañ = cooking, baking, roasting poazhat = cooked poazherez = cooker

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pokʷ-tó-s from *pekʷ- (to cook, ripen) [source]. Words for the same roots include apricot, biscuit, cook, cuisine and kitchen in English [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

Thunder

14th December 202119th December 2021 By Simon

Words for thunder and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*toranos = thunder
Gaulish	taranus = thunder Tanaris / Toranos / Tonaros / Tanaros** = Celtic god of thunder.
Old Irish (Goídelc)	torann = thunder
Irish (Gaeilge)	torann [ˈt̪ˠɔɾˠən̪ˠ/ˈt̪ˠʌɾˠən̪ˠ] = noise, thunder, (tumult of) battle toirneach [ˈt̪ˠoːɾˠn̠ʲəx/ˈt̪ˠaːɾˠn̠ʲa(x)] = thunder, thunderclap toirniúil = thundery, thundering, noisy torannach / toranda = noisy torannáil = (act of) making noise, rumbling marbhthoirneach = subdued, distant thunder
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	torrann [tɔr̪ˠən̪ˠ] = loud murmur, rumble, thunder torrunn [tɔr̪ˠən̪ˠ] = loud murmur, rumble, thunder toireann [tɤrʲən̪ˠ] = thunder tàirneach [taːr̪ˠn̪ʲəx] = thunder tàirneanach [taːr̪ˠn̪ʲənəx] = thunder torrann-sgòth = thundercloud mòthar an tàirneanaich = the roar of thunder
Manx (Gaelg)	taarnagh / taarnaghey = thunder, thundering rooit haarnee = thunder-clap bodjal taarnee = thunder cloud frass taarnee = thunder shower
Proto-Brythonic	*taran = thunder
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	taran = (peal of) thunder, thunderclap
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taran [ˈtaran/ˈtaːran] = thunder, thunderclap, thunderbolt taranau = thunder taranu = to thunder, roar, fulminate, vociferate, cause/give forth thunder taran(i)ad = thundering, clap of thunder, roar, loud noise like thunder mellt a tharanau = thunder and lightning
Old Cornish	taran = thunder
Cornish (Kernewek)	taran = thunder tarenna, taredna = to thunder taran sonek = sonic boom tardh taran = thunderclap
Old Breton	taran = thunder
Breton (Brezhoneg)	taran = thunder, thundering, flashes, growls, grumbling

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)tenh₂- (to thunder) [source].

Words for thunder in Germanic languages come from the same PIE root, via the Proto-Germanic *þunraz (thunder, Germanic deity), including thunder in English, donder in Dutch, Donner in German, and torden in Norwegian, and also the Old Norse Þórr (Thor – god of thunder), from whom we get the word Thursday [source].

The English word tornado comes from the same PIE root, via the Spanish tronada (thunderstorm), from tronar (to thunder), from the Latin tonō (to thunder), from which we also get words for thunder in Romance languages [source].

The name of the River Tanaro in northwestern Italy comes from the Latin Tanarus, from the Gaulish *Tanaros [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Grace and Favour

10th December 202110th December 2021 By Simon

Words for grace, virtue and related words in Celtic languages.

Words for grace and virtue in Celtic languages

Proto-Celtic	*ɸratom = grace, virtue, good fortune
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rath = gift, goods, grace, luck, property, prosperity
Irish (Gaeilge)	rath [ɾˠɑh/ɾˠa/ɾˠah] = bestowal, grant, grace, favour, gift, bounty; prosperity; abundance; usefulness, good rathaigh = to prosper, succeed, thrive, make successful rathúil = prosperous, successful, thriving; fortunate, lucky rathúlacht = prosperousness, successfulness rathúnas = prosperity, plenty, abundance rathúnasach = prosperous, abundant anrath = ill-luck anrathach = unlucky
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rath [r̪ˠa] = good fortune/luck, prosperity, success rathadach = fortunate, auspicious, prosperous rathmhor = fortunate, auspicious, prosperous rathach = fortunate, auspicious, prosperous droch-rath = back luck/fortune
Manx (Gaelg)	raah, rah = good luck, prosperity, well-doing raah mie = prosperity ard-raah = zenith of prosperity gyn raah = unsuccessful cur rah er = to prosper
Old Welsh	rat = grace, blessing, favour,
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rat, rad = grace, blessing, favour,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhad [r̥aːd] = grace, blessing, favour, generosity, bounty, goodness, graciousness, talent, gift; cheap, free, unpaid, valueless, poor, inferior, gracious, giving, generous rhad ac am ddim = free (of charge), without cost, unpaid rhad Duw = the grace of God, God’s blessing rhad fel baw / rhad mochyn = dirt cheap yn rhad = as a gift, free (of charge), unpaid, cheaply, freely, unrestrained rhadaf, rhadu = to bestow grace upon, bless, give generously, to make cheap rhadineb = grace, graciousness rhadwr = generous man
Cornish (Kernewek)	ras = virtue meur ras = thank you rasek = graceful diras = graceless
Old Breton	rad = thought, reflection
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rat = thought, reflection

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *ɸar-/*ɸarnati (to bestow), from the Proto-Indo-European *perh₃- (bestow, give) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Parts and Portions

2nd December 20212nd December 2021 By Simon

Words for parts and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*rannā = part
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rann = part (of a whole) randatu = the property of belonging to a part of speech rannaid = to divide (into parts), to apportion ranngabáil = participle
Irish (Gaeilge)	rann [ɾˠanˠ] = part, side (in dispute), partition rannach = apportioning, sharing, open-handed rannadóir = divider, sharer rannán = division rannóg = section rannpháirt = participation, part, share roinn = share, portion, distribution, dealing, trading, division
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rann [r̪ˠaun̪ˠ] = stanza, quatrain, verse, bond, deed, division, part, portion, section rann-phàirt = participation, portion, participle roinn [r̪ˠɤin̪ʲ / r̪ˠɤn̪ʲə] = dividing, partitioning, section, share, allotment, partition, department, division roinneadair = divider, divisor, sorter
Manx (Gaelg)	rheynn = divide, classify, distribute, dispense, share fo-rheynn = section so-rheynn = divisible
Proto-Brythonic	*rrann = part
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rann = part
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhan [r̥an] = part (of something), portion, division, element, constituent, component rhanadwy = divisible, dividend rhanedig = shared (out), divided, parted, split, separate rhannu = to divide, separate, part, divide
Old Cornish	radn = part, portion
Cornish (Kernewek)	radn = lot, part, portion, role, share
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rann = part, division, fraction, fracture, split

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *per- (to sell) [source], which is also the root of such English words as depart, jeopardy, parcel, part, partition and portion [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Trousers, Socks and Sites

24th November 20211st December 2021 By Simon

Words for trousers, socks, sites and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸlātrom = flat position
Old Irish (Goídelc)	láthar [ˈl͈aːθar] = arrangement, disposition láthraid [ˈl͈aːθrɨðʲ] = to arrange, to dispose
Irish (Gaeilge)	láthair [ˈl̪ˠɑːhəɾʲ/ˈl̪ˠæhəɾʲ] = place, spot, site, location; presence as láthair = absent faoi láthair = at present i láthair = present láithreach = ruined site, ruin, trace; imprint; present (tense) láithreacht = presence láithreán = piece of ground, place, site; ruined, vacated site; floor, space; set láithreog = small site; trace, mark; small well-built girl láithrigh = to present oneself, appear
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làthair [l̪ˠaː.ɪrʲ] = presence, venue an làthair = present, here, in attendance; extant; in existence neo-làthair = absent neo-làthaireachd = absence làthaireach = present làthaireachd = presence; attendance; atmosphere uile-làthaireachd = omnipresence
Manx (Gaelg)	laaragh = centric(al), stage, centre, venue, site emshir-laaragh = present tense neuaaragh, assaaragh = absent ooilley-laaragh = ubiquitous
Proto-Brythonic	*lọdr = leg covering
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llauder, llahudyr, llawdyr, llodr = trousers, breeches, hose
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawdr [ˈɬaːu̯dr] = trousers, breeches, hose llawdrog, llodrog = wearing breeches, bedraggled llawdrwisg = breeches llawdrwr, llodrydd, llodrwr = breeches-maker llaesu llawdr = to undo one’s trousers (to ease oneself)
Old Cornish	loder = sock
Cornish (Kernewek)	lodrik = sock
Middle Breton	louzr = sock
Breton (Brezhoneg)	loer = sock, (trouser) leg

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂- (flat) [source].

From the same PIE root we also get Celtic words for hand, from the Proto-Celtic *ɸlāmā (palm, hand) [source], which was borrowed from Old Irish into Old Norse and became lámur (flipper, paw, left hand) in Faroese [source].

Words for floor and ground in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE root, via the Proto-Celtic *ɸlārom (floor) [source].

English words from the same PIE root include floor, palm, piano, plain, plan and plane, and also Poland [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	bríste [ˈbʲɾʲiːʃtʲə] = trousers; breeching (of harness); roe (of pollock) brístín = panties, knickers fobhríste = underpants forbhríste = overalls
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	briogais [brʲigɪʃ] = trousers, breeches briogais-ghlùine = shorts, plus fours briogais-ghoirid, briogais-bheag = shorts briogais-shnàimh = swimming trunks
Manx (Gaelg)	breeçhyn = breeches breeçhyn glioonagh = knee breeches breeçhyn markee = riding breeches
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brits(h) = breeches britis pen-(g)lin = knee-breeches
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bragez = knickers, panties, breeches bragez vihan = underpants, briefs, pants, panties

Etymology: from the English breeches, from the Middle English brech(e), brek (breeches), from the Old English brēċ (underpants), from the Proto-Germanic *brōkiz, from *brōks (leggings, pants, trousers; rear end, rump) the Proto-Indo-European *bʰreg- (to break, crack, split) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	triubhas = closs-fitting shorts
Irish (Gaeilge)	triús = (pair of) trousers, trews
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	triubhas [tru.əs] = trousers, trews
Manx (Gaelg)	troosyn = slacks, pants, trews, tights, trouser, knickers troosyn çhionn = pantaloons troosyn giarey = short trousers troosyn markee = jodhpurs
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trywsus, trywser, trowsus [ˈtrou̯sɨ̞s/ˈtrou̯sɪs] = trousers, breeches, knickers, panties trywsus bach = shorts, short trouserse, knickerbockers
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bragez = knickers, panties, breeches bragez vihan = underpants, briefs, pants, panties bragoù = trousers

Etymology (Welsh): from the English trousers, from the Middle Irish triubhas (trousers, trews) of uncertain origin [source]. The English word trews (trousers, especially if close fitting and tartan) was borrowed from Scottish Gaelic [source].

Cornish (Kernewek)	lavrek = trousers lavrek byghan = briefs, underpants lavrek jin = jeans lavrek kott = short
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lavreg = trousers

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, logainm.ie, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Calling Words

9th November 20215th November 2022 By Simon

Words for words, calls, cries and related words in Celtic languages.

words is various languages
Word cloud created with WordItOut

Proto-Celtic	gāri = shout, call garyeti = to cry, shout gar(r)man- = cry, shout garyo- = word, command *garyos = call, cry
Gaulish	Garomaros / Garo-marus = personal name* adgarion = accuser (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons gairid [ˈɡarʲiðʲ] = to call, cry out, summon adgair [aðˈɡarʲ] = to summon congair [konˈɡarʲ] = to call, summon; invite dogair = to call
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons, cry, name, title, calling, employment, profession gairid = to call
Irish (Gaeilge)	gáir [ɡɑːɾʲ/ɡæːɾʲ] = cry, shout; report, fame, notoriety; to cry shout; laugh gáire = to laugh gáieach = laughing, smiling gáieachtach = noisy, vociferous; laughing, merry gairm [ˈɡaɾʲəmʲ/ˈɡɪɾʲəmʲ] = call, calling, acclaim (an tuiseal) gairmeach = vocative (case) gairmí = professional gairmiúil = vocational, professional slua gairm = slogan
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goir [gɤrʲ] = to call, cry, hoot, crow gàir [gaːrʲ] = to laugh, cry shout; outcry, shout, clamour gàir nan tonn = the roar of the waves gairm [ɡɤrʲɤm] = calling, crying, call, cry, announcing, declaring, convenning, call of the cockerel gairmeachadh = (act of) calling gairm-choileach = cock-crow gairm-chatha, gairm-chogaidh = war-cry sluagh-gairm = slogan tuiseal gairmeach = vocative case
Manx (Gaelg)	gerr = crow, shout gerr chah = war cry gerrym = crowing, outcry, shouting, whoop, whooping, (cock) crow), avocation, mission, profession, vocation gerrymagh = vocative gerrymoil = professional, vocational gerrym caggee = battle cry, call up, war cry gerrym chellee = cock crow sleih gerrym = slogan
Proto-Brythonic	*gėr [ɡe̝ːr] = word, speech
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	geir = word gaur, gawr = shout, cry garddu = groan garym, garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garymleis, garamleis = scream, clamour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gair [ɡai̯r] = word, speech, phrase, greeting, salutation, short exhortation, saying, proverb; verb; line of poetry, verse; report, rumour, information, letter, reputation, fame, praise geiriad = wording, phraseology, phrase geiriadaf, geiriadu = to word, phrase, express geiriadur = dictionary geiriaduraf, geiriaduro, geiriadura = to compile a dictionary geiriaduriaeth, geiriaduraeth = lexicography; vocabulary; grammar geiriadurwr = lexicographer, dictionary-maker geiriog = wordy, verbose garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garmlais = scream, clamour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	garm = a cry, shout, outcry garme = to shout, raise a shout, cry aloud, cry out
Cornish (Kernewek)	ger [ɡɛːr/ɡeːr] = word, saying, report gerdhal = dyslexic gerdhalni = dyslexia gerlyver = dictionary garm = to shout, whoop, yell garm argemynna = (advertising) slogan garm vresel = battle cry garm wormola = ovation garma = to cry out, whoop, yell garma yn lowen = to cheer
Old Breton	gerent = word. say
Middle Breton	guer = word garm = loud crying, yelping of a fox, war cry, cry garmadeg, garmadenn = clamour garmer = to cry, crying, brawler garmiñ = to cry, bellow, yelp
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ger [ɡeːr] = word geriadur = dictionary garm = cry, clamour, weeping

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵeh₂r- (to call,cry) [source]. The English words garrulous (excessively talkative), care and charm (sound of many voices (esp. of birds or children), a flock or group (esp. of finches)) come from the same PIE root [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Ditches and Trenches

3rd November 20214th February 2024 By Simon

Words for ditches, trenches and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*klādos = trench
Gaulish	Vindo-cladia = place name
Old Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clad = ditch, dyke
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clad, clod = hole dug in the ground, trench
Irish (Gaeilge)	cladh = ditch, trench cladhach = ridged, furrowed cladhaire = ditcher claidh = to dig, build (as dike)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cladh [kl̪ˠɤɣ] = burial ground, cemetery, graveyard; ditch cladh-uisge = (water) ditch
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	claud, clawd, clodyeu = mound, ditch, pit, bulwark
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clawdd [ˈklaːu̯ð/ˈklau̯ð] = mound, dyke, earthwork, bulwark, boundary, hedge, fence; ditch, gutter, trench, pit, quarry, mine, moat, fosse clawdd aur = gold mine clawdd cerrig = stone wall clawdd llanw = sea-wall, embankment Clawdd Offa = Offa’s Dyke cloddio = to dig, delve, trench, ditch, excavate clodd(i)wr, clawddwr = ditcher, navvy, digger, miner, quarryman, hedger, excavator mwynglawdd = mine, pit, shaft mwyn i’r clawdd to be unsuccessful, fail (“to go to the ditch/wall”)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cledh = dyke, ditch, trench, fence
Cornish (Kernewek)	kleudh = ditch kleudhik = groove kleudhya to dig a trench, ditch, excavate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	creux, cleus, cleuz = hollow, cave
Breton (Brezhoneg)	cledh = dyke, ditch, trench, fence

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂dos [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	clais, class = trench, pit, hollow, groove; streak, stripe, impression
Irish (Gaeilge)	clais = water channel, gully, ditch, trench, furrow, rut, groove, gash, fosse, trough clais anála = gullet, throat clais an mhuiníl = hollow at nape of neck clais ghainimh = sand pit
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clais [kl̪ˠaʃ] = furrow, groove, ditch, drain, gutter, rut, trench clais-mhara = sea channel clais-bhlàir = trench clais-mhór = gorge clais-uisge = drain, drainage channel
Manx (Gaelg)	clash = cleft, hollow, gorge, race, trench, vale, groove, channel, open furrow, rubbish tip clash hrustyr = rubbish tip clash ushtey = watercourse, moat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cleis, klais = bruise; groove, rut, ditch, trench
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clais = bruise, wound; groove, rut, fissure, ditch, trench, rivulet clais clawdd = ditch alongside a hedge, road-side ditch clais dŵr = ditch, trench, watercourse, water edge clais (y) dydd = break of day, dawn, early morning

Etymology: unknown. Possibly from the Proto-Celtic *klādos (trench).

Irish (Gaeilge)	díog = ditch, trench, drain díogach = trenched, having trenches
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dìg [dʲiːg] = ditch, dyke, drain
Manx (Gaelg)	jeeg = ditch, moat, gutter, trench

Etymology: unknown.

Irish (Gaeilge)	fos = prop, buttress, wall
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fos [fɔs] = ditch, wall, buttress (archaic)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	fos, foss = ditch, dike
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ffos [fɔs] = ditch, dike, gutter, moat, trench, furrow, groove, pit ffos(i)af, ffosi(o) = to ditch, trench, furrow, chamfer ffosedig = trenched, moated, furrowed, lined ffos gaeedig = drain ffos y clawdd, ffos glawdd = roadside ditch ffos ddyfrio conduit ffos melin, ffos y felin = mill-race
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	fos = ditch, moat, trench, intrenchment, wall
Cornish (Kernewek)	fos = wall paper fos = wallpaper toll y’n fos = cash dispenser, ATM (“hole in the wall”)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	fos, foss, fôs = ditch, gap, pit, (river) bed
Breton (Brezhoneg)	foz = ditch, gap, sand trap foz disac’hañ = rift (valley), collapsed ditch foz-kronniañ = holding tank, retention pit

Etymology: from the Latin fossa (ditch, trench, moat, gutter, furrow), from fossa terra (dug-up earth) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷantyos = flat hill, valley
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céite = hill, mound, race-course, assembly
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	céide, céite = hill, mound, eminence, open space
Irish (Gaeilge)	céide [ˈlʲɛtʲəɾʲ/ˈl̠ʲɛtʲəɾʲ] = flat-topped hill, place of assembly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cèide = market, fair, green, hillock
Pictish	ᚘᚐᚅᚈ = hollow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pant = hollow, depression, valley, dent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pant [pant] = hollow, depression, valley, dent pant (y) llaw = palm of the hand pant a thalar = hilla and dale, everywhere pantiad = hollow, depression pant(i)af, pantio, pantu = to be(come) hollow, make an impression, sink (in the middle) pant(i)og = hollow, sunken, uneven, holed, sinking, sagging, concave pantir = dale-land, valley-bottom, lowland pantlawr = uneven/concave floor pantlle = hollow, dell, small valley, place full of hollows
Cornish (Kernewek)	pans = dell, dingle, hollow
Old Breton	pantet = curved, curve
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pant = curved, curve, bend
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pant = slope, hillside

Etymology: possibly from the PIE *kwem-t (hill)

Courts and Forts

29th October 202129th October 2021 By Simon

Words for courts, forts and related words in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	les [lʲesʲ] = the space about a house enclosed by a bank or rampart, farmyard, courtyard; settlement, city; palisade, stockade, rampart; ringfort, circular earthwork
Irish (Gaeilge)	lios [l̠ʲɪsˠ/l̠ʲʊsˠ] = enclosed ground of a (ancient) dwelling-house, enclosed space, garth; ringfort; fairy mound; ring, halo liosachán = fairy fort, fairy mound urlios = forecourt, front enclosure
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lios [l̪ʲis] = garden, yard cùirt-lios = (court)yard fion-lios = vineyard lios-àraich = (plant) nursery lios-càil = kaleyard, vegetable garden lios-mheas = orchard
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llis, llys = court, palace, manor house, hall
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llys [ɬɨːs/ɬiːs] = court (of law), palace, manor house, hall, imposing building, habitation of king, prince, nobleman; courtyard, enclosed space Llys Bach y Dosbarth = Magistrates’ Court llys sirol = county court llys trosedd(au) / troseddol = criminal court Llys y Goron = Crown Court
Cornish (Kernewek)	lys = court breuslys = court of law lyskanasedh = diplomacy lyskanasek = diplomatic lyskannas = diplomat
Middle Breton	les = court
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lez = court lez-vrezel = council of war lez kastizel = criminal court Lez veur = High Court lez-varn = tribunal, court

Etymology: unknown

The Irish and Scottish Gaelic words are mainly used in place names, such as Lios Dúin Bhearna (Lisdoonvarna) and Lios Tuathail (Listowel) in Ireland, and Lios Mòr (Lismore) in Scotland.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Beaches and Shores

26th October 202126th October 2021 By Simon

Words for beaches, shores and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*trāgi- = beach, low tide
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tráig = strand, shore, ebb tide tráigid = to ebb
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tráigid = to ebb, recede
Irish (Gaeilge)	trá [t̪ˠɾˠɔːɟ/t̪ˠɾˠɔː/t̪ˠɾˠæːj] = beach, strand, seashore, low water leath-thrá = half-ebb (tide) trábhaile = town(land) along strand, seaside resort urtrá = foreshore
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tràigh [traːj] = (sandy) beach, strand, shore, (sandy) riverbank; low tide muir-tràigh = low tide, low-water tràigh-ghainmhich = sandy beach tràigh-mhaoraich = beach where shellfish can be found tràigh reothairt = spring (ebb) tide
Manx (Gaelg)	traie [trɛi/trai] = beach, shore, sandy seashore, strand, neap tide bayr traie = seafront er-traie = ashore traie gheinnee = sands, sandy shore traie laaee / laaghey = mud flat traie sluggee = quicksand
Proto-Brythonic	*tragio = ebb
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trei = ebb
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trai = ebb tide, a draining treio = to ebb, fall, drain, recede, retreat, diminish, reduce, ease, abate trai a llanw = ebb and flow ar drai = on the ebb distyll trai = the low(est) ebb, low-water mark
Cornish (Kernewek)	trig = low tide
Old Breton	tre = ebb (tide)
Middle Breton	tré, tref = ebb (tide)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tre, trec’h = ebb, backward surge

Etymology: possibly from the Latin tractus (stretch, tract of land) [source], from trahō (I drag, extract) from the Proto-Indo-European *tregʰ- (to drag, pull) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*traxtus = shore
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tracht = strand, shore
Irish (Gaeilge)	trácht = strand, beach (literary)
Proto-Brythonic	*traɨθ = beach, sand
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	traeth = beach
Welsh (Cymraeg)	traeth [traːɨ̯θ/trai̯θ/traːθ] = beach, (sea)shore, strand, coast, estuary, region, area traeth awyr = cirrocumulus, mackerel sky traeth byw / gwyllt / sugn = quicksand traethwr = seaman, sailor
Old Cornish	trait = beach
Middle Cornish	traith, treath = beach
Cornish (Kernewek)	treth = beach, sand, seashore trethek = sandy trethor = ferryman trethvor = Riviera, seaside
Middle Breton	traez = sand
Breton (Brezhoneg)	traezh [tʁɛs] = sand, beach traezhenn (sandy) beach traezherez = sandy, sandblaster, sand speader, gritter

Etymology: possibly from the Latin tractus (stretch, tract of land), either directly, or via the Proto-Celtic *traxtus (shore) [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Etymology

Steps

Heat

Thunder

Grace and Favour

Parts and Portions

Trousers, Socks and Sites

Calling Words

Ditches and Trenches

Courts and Forts

Beaches and Shores