Eightsome

22nd June 202322nd June 2023 By Simon

Words for eight and related things in Celtic languages:

eight

Proto-Celtic	oxtū = eight oxtūmetos = eighth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ocht [ˈoxt] = eight ochtmad [ˈoxtṽað] = eighth ochtar = a group of eight people ochtmoga = eighty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ocht = eight ochtmad = eighth ochtur, ochtor, ochtar = eight people/things ochta = a group of eight things, an octad ochtmoga, ochtmogo, ochtmogat = eighty
Irish (Gaeilge)	ocht [ɔxt̪ˠ/ʌxt̪ˠ]= eight ochtar = eight (people) ochtú = eighth, eighth part ocht déag = eighteen ochtó = eighty ochtddach = having eight parts, eightfold ochtábhó = octavo ochtach, ochtáibh = octave ochtagán = octagon ochtapas = octopus
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ochd [ɔxg] = eight ochdamh [ɔxgəv] (8ᵐʰ) = eighth (8ᵗʰ) ochdnar [ɔxgnər] = eight people ochd-fillte = octuple, eightfold, eight-ply ochd-shliosach = octagon, octahedron ochd-chasach = octopus
Manx (Gaelg)	hoght [hoːx(t)] = eight, octuple hoghtoo = eighth hoght jeig = eighteen hoghtad = eighty hoght filley, hoght keayrtyn = eightfold oght-lhiatteeane, hoghtin = octagon hoght lhiatteeagh = octagonal hoght-choshagh = octopus
Gaulish	oxtu = eight oxtumetos = eighth
Proto-Brythonic	üiθ [yɨ̯θ] = eight üɨθβ̃ed = eighth
Cumbric	owera, hovera, haoves = eight
Old Welsh	oith = eight
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	uith, wyth, vyth, ỽyth, oeth [sei̯θ] = eight wythuet, wythued, ỽythuet = eighth wythnos, vythnos, ỽythnos = week petheunos, pytheonos, pethawnos = fortnight (two weeks)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wyth [uːɨ̯θ/ʊi̯θ] = eight, octave, wythfed (8fed) [ˈʊɨ̯θvɛd/ˈʊi̯θvɛd] = eighth, one of eight wyth deg = eighty wythdegai = eighties wythawd = octet, octave wythblyg = octavo, eightfold, having eight parts wythnyn = eight persons, eight men wythochr = octahedron, octagon, octagonal wythnos [ˈʊɨ̯θnɔs] = week penwythnos = weekend pythefnos = fortnight (two weeks)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	eath = eight eathas = eighth eitag, eythek = eighteen
Cornish (Kernewek)	eth = eight ethves = eighth. octave etek = eighteen etegves = eighteenth
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	eith = eight
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	eiz = eight eizuet, aihuet, eizved = eighth eiz-ugeñt, heiz-ugent = 160 eiz-cognecq = octagonal eiz-cornecq = octagonal, octagon eizuet, aihuet, eizvet, eizved, eihvet = eighth éih dyad, ein-déad, eih-diat = about eight eizdezyeg, eizdeziek = weekly eizvedi = to divide into eight
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eizh = eight eizhved = eighth eikont = eighty (usually pevar-ugent) eizhkognek = octagonal

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *oḱtṓw (eight) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include eight, and words beginning with octa-/octo-, such as October, octane and octopus in English, and words related to eight in other Indo-European languages [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

Merciful

9th June 20239th June 2023 By Simon

Words for merciful and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	trougokaros/trowkkaro- = merciful
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trócar = merciful trócaire = mercy
Middle Irish (Gaedhealg)	trócar, trócair, trocor = merciful, leniency trócaire, trocaire = mercy, leniency, equity, piety
Irish (Gaeilge)	trócaire [ˈt̪ˠɾˠoːkəɾʲə] = mercy, pity, compassion, clemency, leniency trócaireach = merciful, clement, lenient, compassionate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tròcair [trɔːxgɪrʲ] = mercy, pity, pardon, quarter tròcaireach [trɔːxgɪrʲəx] = merciful, compassionate tròcaireachd [trɔːxgɪrʲəxg] = mercifulness, compassion
Manx (Gaelg)	trocair = mercifulness, mercy, pity trocairagh = clement, lenient, merciful trocairaght = mercy trocairys = affection, clemency, leniency, mercifulness, ruth trocairaght = mercy trochoil = lenient trochoilys = leniency, mercifulness
Old Welsh	trucarauc = merciful, compassionate, kind
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trugar, trûgar = merciful, tender-hearted, compassionate trugaret, trugared = mercy, compassion, pity trigareddva = mercy-seat, throne (of God), mercy or reconcilliation trugarha, trukarhaa = to have mercy (on), be kind (to) forgive trugaraỽc, trugarock, trugaroc = merciful, compassionate, kind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trugar [ˈtrɨgar/ˈtrigar] = merciful, tender-hearted, compassionate trugaredd = mercy, compassion, pity, tender-heartedness, kindness, humanity, good will; paraphernalia, bits and pieces, knick-knacks trugareddfa = mercy-seat, throne (of God), mercy or reconcilliation trugareddol, trugareddus = merciful, compassionate trugarhaf, trugarhau = to have mercy (on), be kind (to) forgive trugarog = merciful, compassionate, kind, tender-hearted, gentle, humane, forgiving
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tregereth = compassion, pity, mercy, love
Cornish (Kernewek)	tregeredh = compassion, mercy, sympathy tregeredhus = sensitive, sympathetic
Old Breton	trugar = pitiful, wretched, miserable
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	trugar = pitiful, wretched, miserable trugarez = pity, mercy, forgiveness, thanks, misery
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trugarez = thank you, mercy, clemency, indulgence trugarekaat = to thank, pity

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *trougos/*trowgo- (sorry, sad, wretched) and *-karos (loving) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Hexagonal

1st June 202318th June 2023 By Simon

Words for six and related things in Celtic languages:

Six

Proto-Celtic	swexs = six suexos = sixth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sé [sʲeː] = six seisser = six people séda = six things seissed [ˈsʲesʲeð] = sixth sesca [ˈsʲeska] = sixty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sé, se, sē = six seisser, seissiur, seissir = six people seissed, sesset, sesedh, seisedh = sixth, one of six sé déc = sixteen sesca, sescot, sescat = sixty
Irish (Gaeilge)	sé [ʃeː/ʃɛ/ʃə]= six (an) seú = sixth seisear = six people sé déag = sixteen seasca = sixty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sia [ʃia] = six (an) siathamh [ʃiə.əv] (6ᵐʰ) = sixth (6ᵗʰ) sianar [ʃianər] = six people sia deug = sixteen seasgad [ʃesgəd] = sixty sia-cheàrnach = hexagon
Manx (Gaelg)	shey = six, sextet sheyoo, (yn) çheyoo = sixth shey jeig = sixteen shey jeigoo = sixteenth shey keayrtyn = sextuple, six times shey pingyn = sixpence
Gaulish	suex = six suexos = sixth
Proto-Brythonic	hwex [ˈhwɛːx] = six hwexed [hwɛˈxɛːd] = sixth
Cumbric	sethera, hither = six
Old Welsh	chwech = six
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chwech, whech, whe, hwech, chwe = six hhuechet, cchuehet, chwechet, whechet = sixth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwech [χweːχ/hweːχ] = six, sixpence chweched (6ed) [ˈχwɛχɛd/ˈχwɛχad] = sixth chwedeg = sixty chwedegfed = sixieth chwechant = six hundred chwecheiniog = sixpenny bit, sixpence
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huih, hweh, whéh = six hweffas, wheffes = sixth whehdeg = sixteen whehdegvas = sixteenth
Cornish (Kernewek)	hwegh = six hweghves, hweffes = sixth hwetek = sixteen hwetegves = sixteenth hweghmis = semester
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	chouech = six
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	huech, huec, c’huec’h, chouech, hueh = six huechuet, huehuet, c’huec’hved = sixth c’huezec, c’houezek = sixteen c’houezekved = sixteenth
Breton (Brezhoneg)	c’hwec’h [ˈxwɛx] = six c’hwec’hvet = sixth c’hwezek = sixteen c’hwezekvet = sixteenth c’hwec’h-ugent = 120 (620) c’hwec’h-kement* = sextuple c’hwec’h-kogn = hexagon c’hwec’h-miz = semester

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European swéḱs (six). Words from the same PIE root include six, sextuple, and words beginning with hex-, such as hexagon in English, and words for six in other Indo-European languages [source].

Quintuple

23rd May 202323rd May 2023 By Simon

Words for five and related things in Celtic languages:

five

Proto-Celtic	kʷenkʷe = five kʷenkʷetos = fifth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cóic [koːɡʲ] = five cóiced [ˈkoːɡʲeð] = fifth cóicer = five people, five things coíca = fifty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cóic, cúic = five cóiced, cúced, coigid = fifth cóicer, cóicir, cuicir = five people/things cóic deac = fifteen coíca, coícad, cóic deich = fifty
Irish (Gaeilge)	cúig [kuːɟ] = five cúigiú [kuːˈɟuː/ˈkuːɟu] = fifth cúigear [ˈkuːɟəɾˠ] = five people/things cúige = one of five divisions of Ireland, province caoga = fifty cúigbhliantúil = five-yearly, quinquennial cúigchodach = fivefold, quintuple cúigréad = quintet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	còig [koːgʲ] = five còigeamh(5ᵐʰ) fifth (4ᵗʰ)) còignear [koːgʲn̪ʲər] = five (people) còigearan [koːgʲəran] = quintuplet còig-fillte = quintuple, fivefold caogad [kɯːgəd] = fifty
Manx (Gaelg)	queig [kwɛɡ] = five queigagh, queigoo = fifth queigad = fifty queigin, queig-lhiatteean = pentagon queigane = quintuplet queig-filley = quintuple, five-fold
Proto-Brythonic	pɨmp [pɨmp] = five pɨmped [pɘmˈpɛːd] = fifth
Gaulish	pimpe, pempe = five pimpetos = fifth
Old Welsh	pimp = five petguaret = fifth pimmunt = fifty
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pimp, pym(p), pvmp, pum(p) = five pimphet, pemhet, pimhed, pymhed, pymhet = fifth pymthec = fifteen pymwnt, pumhwnt, pemhwnt, pummwnt = fifty pvmplyc, pymplyg, pumplyg = quintuple, fivefold
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pump [pɨ̞mp/pɪmp] = five pumed [pɛdˈwɛrɨ̞ð] (5ed) = fifth pumplyg = quintuple, fivefold, folded five times pumpunt = five pounds, five-pound note, fiver pedwaraid = set of five, fivesome pumseiniol = pentatonic (music)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pymp, pemp = five pympes = fifth pymthec, pemdhac = fifteen
Cornish (Kernewek)	pymp = five pympes, pempes = fifth pymthek, pemdhek = fifteen pympbys, pempbes = starfish (“five finger”)
Old Breton	pemp = five
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pemp, puemb = five pempet, peempet, pempvet = fifth pempaat = to group into five pempkement = quintuple pempkementiñ = to quintuple pempkogneg = pentagon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pemp [pɛmp/pɛ̃mp] = five pemp(v)et = fifth pemzek = fifteen pempad = quintet pempkorneg = pentagon

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *pénkʷe (five) [source].

English words from the same roots include five, fifth, fifty, fifty, quintet, and words beginning with penta-, such as pentathlon and pentameter [source].

Fourfold

18th May 202324th June 2023 By Simon

Words for four and related things in Celtic languages:

four

Proto-Celtic	kʷetwares = four kʷetwariyos = fourth
Gaulish	petru, petuar = four petuarios = fourth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cethair [ˈkʲeθirʲ] = four cethramad [ˈkʲeθraṽað] = fourth cethracha = forty cethrar = four people cethardúil = four elements
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cethair = four cethramad = fourth cethrar = four people cethracha = forty cetharchair = four-sided, square, rectangular cethairríad = four-wheeled chariot or carriage cethardenus = space of four days cethardóit = group of four cetharaird = the four points of the compass, the four quarters, the world, universe
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceathair [ˈcahəɾʲ/ˈcæɾʲ] = four, quadruped ceithre [ˈcɛɾʲə/ˈçɛɾʲə] = four ceathrar [ˈcahɾˠəɾˠ/cæːɾˠ] = four people ceathracha = forty ceathrú [cahˈɾˠuː] = quarter, thigh, quatrain ceathrúnach = quartermaster ceathairbhliantúil = quadrennial ceathairchodach = fourfold, quadruple ceathairchosach = fourfooted, quadruped ceathairéad = quartet ceathairfhillte = quarto, fourfold
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceithir [kʲehɪrʲ] = four ceathramh [kʲɛrəv] (4mh) fourth (4th) ceathrar [kʲɛrər] = four (people) ceathrad [kʲɛrəd] = forty cairteal [kar̪ˠʃdʲal] = quarter; quarters, lodgings ceithir-chasach = quadruped, four-legged animal ceithir-cheàrnach = quadrilateral ceithir-fillte = quadruple, fourfold, four-ply
Manx (Gaelg)	kiare [kʲeːə(r)] = four, foursome, quartet kiarroo, (yn) chiarroo = (the) fourth kerroo = fourth, quarter, quatrain kiarad = forty kiare-fillagh, kiare-filley = fourfold, quadruple kiare-lhiatteeagh, kiare-lhiatteean = four-sided, quadrilateral kiare-chassagh = four-footed, four-legged, quadruped
Proto-Brythonic	pedwar [pɛdˈwaːr] = four pėdwėrɨð [pe̝dwe̝ˈrˑɨːð] = fourth
Old Welsh	petguar = four petguaret = fourth
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pedwar, peduar = four (m) pedeyr, pedair, pedeir = four (f) pedweryd = fourth (m) pedwyred = fourth (m) pedwar deg, pedeir deg = fourteen pedwar/pedeir ar bymthec = nineteen pedwar ugein(t) = eighty
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pedwar [ˈpɛdwar] = four (m) pedair [ˈpɛdai̯r/ˈpeːdai̯r] = four (f) pedwerydd [pɛdˈwɛrɨ̞ð] (4ydd) = fourth (m) pedwaredd [pɛdˈwarɛð] (4edd) = fourth (f) pedwarplyg = quadruple pedwaraf, pedwaru = to divide into four, quarter pedwaraid = set of four, foursome pedwar ar ddeg = fourteen pedwar ar bymtheg = nineteen pedwar deg = forty pedwar ugain = eighty
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	peswar = four (m) pedar = four (f) peswere, pyswere = fourth peswardhec, pazawardhak = fourteen padzhar iganz = eighty padzhar iganz ha deg = ninety
Cornish (Kernewek)	peswar, pajar = four (m) peder = four (f) peswora, pajwora = fourth peswartrosek = fourfooted peswardhek = fourteen peswar ugens = eighty
Old Breton	petguar = four petguare = fourth
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	peuar, puar = four peuare, pevare = fourth peuarzec, pévarzecq, piarzeg = fourteen peuaruguent, pêver huguent, pévar uguent = eighty pevar-benveg = quartet pevarc’hartier = to cut in quarters pévar c’hemend = quadruple pevar(-)c’hementi(ñ) = to quadruple
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pevar = four (m) peder = four (f) pevare = fourth pevarved = fourth (m) pedervet = fourth (f) pevarzek = fourteen pevar-ugent = eighty pevarad = quartet pevarzuek = quadrilatéral

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres (four) and *kʷetwr̥yós (fourth) [source].

English words from the same roots include four, quarter, quart, quartet, quaruple, and words beginning with tetra-, such as tetradecimal (a 14-base counting system) [source].

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].

One Alone

4th May 202327th May 2023 By Simon

Words for one and related things in Celtic languages:

One

Proto-Celtic	oinos/oyno- = one *oynānos = alone, personally
Old Irish (Goídelc)	oen [oːi̯n] = one oenar [ˈoːi̯nər] = one person, alone, by oneself oentu [ˈoːi̯n͈tu] = oneness, unity oínḟer [oːi̯nʲer] = one person
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	óen = one, the same, single, only, unique oenar = a single individual, one alone, one person oentu = oneness, unity, association, fellowship, alliance
Irish (Gaeilge)	aon [eːn̪ˠ/iːnˠ] = one, any, same, only aonad = unit aonadach = unitary aonán = individual aonar = one, lone, person, single, solitary aonarach = single, solitary, lone aonaracht = singularity, solitude aonarán = single, solitary person aontaigh = to unite aonú = first
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aon [ɯ̃ːn] = one, same, sole, approximately, about aonachd = unity, union aonaich = to combine, coalesce, unite, intergrate aonaichte = united, integrated aonan = one item/thing/person aonar = one (person), (state of being) alone aonanag = onesie aonaranach = alone, desolate, deserted, lone, solitary aonrachd = solitude, solitariness
Manx (Gaelg)	un [eːn/ɯːn/uːn] = one unnane = one, identical, ace (in cards) nane = one unnaneagh = particular, singular, unanimous unnaneysee, unnaneysey = to unite unnaneysit = united
Proto-Brythonic	*ʉn [ʉːn] = one
Old Welsh	un = one ungueid = once
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	un, vn [ʉn] = one, single, individual unbin, vnbenn, unbyn = dictator, monarch, tyrant, despot, chief unkyrn, vncorn, ynkorn = unicorn, one-horned unweith, vn weith, vnwaith = once
Welsh (Cymraeg)	un [ɨːn/iːn] = one, single, individual, only, sole, unique, special, united, combined unaf, uno = to unite, unify, coalesce, amalgamate, combine, join, connect, agree, be reconciled unaidd = united, unary unawd = solo (music/dance) unawdr, unawdydd = soloist unben = dictator, monarch, tyrant, despot, chief unbriodas = monogamy uncorn, ungorn = unicorn, one-horned, chimney-stack unwaith = once, (on) one occasion, (at) one or any time, sometime
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	un = one, individual uncorn = unicorn unsel = only, alone unver = of one mind, unanimous, agreed unya = to make one, unite, join unwyth = once
Cornish (Kernewek)	unn, udn [ˈʏn/ˈɪᵈn] = one, only, single, sole unnik = individual, only, single, sole, unique unplek = singular unran = one-piece unsel = only unses = unit, unity untu = one-sided, unilateral unver = agreed, in agreement, unanimous unweyth = incidentally, once, only unya = to unite
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	un = one
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	un, unn, unan, vnan, en, eun, oun = one unanaat = to unify unanadur = unification unanded = uniqueness unander = singular unanelezh = unit, unity
Breton (Brezhoneg)	un, unan = one, someone, unit, unity unvanadur = unification unander = singular unvaniñ = to unify unanelezh = uniqueness

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(h₁)óynos (one, single) [source].

English words from the same roots include one, a, an and oenology (the study of wines and winemaking) [source].

Revenge

2nd March 20234th March 2023 By Simon

In this post we’re looking into words for revenge and related things in Celtic languages.

Revenge illustration

Proto-Celtic	*dīgalā = revenge, vengeance
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dígal [ˈdʲiːɣal] = revenge, vengeance, punishment
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dígal = avenging, punishing; vengeance, punishment
Irish (Gaeilge)	díoghail = vengeance, retribution, punishment; to avenge, punish
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dìoghail [dʲiə.al] = revenge, vengeance dìoghailte = revenged, avenged, retaliated
Manx (Gaelg)	jeeyll, jeeill = damage, harmfulness, havoc, injury, prejudice, vandalism
Proto-Brythonic	*diɣal = (?)
Old Welsh	digal = vengeance, revenge, retribution, punishment
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dial = vengeance, revenge, retribution, punishment dialaeth = vengeance, revenge, punishment
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dial [ˈdɪ.al/ˈdiː.al] = vengeance, revenge, retribution, punishment dialaeth = vengeance, revenge, punishment dialaethaf, dialaethu = to wreak vengeance upon, punish dialaf, diala, dialu = to avenge, revenge, retaliate dialaidd = revengeful, retributive dialbren = gallows, gibbet, rack dialedd = vengeance, retribution, nemesis, pain, disease, plague dialeddwr = avenger, punisher
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dyal, dial = revenge
Cornish (Kernewek)	dial = retribution, revenge
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dial = vengeance, revenge
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dial = vengeance, revenge, to take revenge

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from *dī- (from, of) and‎ *galā (might, ability), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *ḱley- (naked, head) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include callow in English, kaal (smooth, bland, plain, bald) in Dutch, and kahl (bald, hairless, barren) in German [source].

Other words from the Proto-Celtic root *galā include gal (ardour, valour, fury) in Irish, gal (ardour, valour, fury, vapour, steam) in Scottish Gaelic, gaal/gall (vapour) in Manx, gâl (enemy, adversary) in Welsh, gal (outcast, villain) in Cornish, and gal (violent, intense, urgent) in Middle Breton [source].

The Proto-Celtic word *galnati (to be able) comes from the same root. Descendents include gallu (to be able to, to have power (to)) in Welsh, gallos (to be able to, can, ability, might, power) in Cornish, and gallout (to be able to) in Breton [source].

Scotland

17th January 202322nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for Scotland and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*albiyū = luminous world, upper world, world; high mountain, alp; alpine pasture, Britain
Gaulish	Albiorix = place name Albiorica = place name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	Albu [ˈalbu] = Scotland, Britain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealgcausecause)	Albu = Scotland, Britain Albanach = an inhabitant of Albu, Scottish
Irish (Gaeilge)	Alba [ˈalˠəbˠə] = Scotland (dated) Albain [ˈaləbˠənʲ] = Scotland Gaeilge na hAlban = Scottish Gaelic Albainis = Scots (language) Albanach = Scotsman, Scot, Scottish Albain Nua = Nova Scotia
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	Alba [ˈal̪ˠabə] = Scotland Albannach = Scot, Scotsman, Scottish Albinish = Scots (language) Gàidhlig (na hAlba) = Scottish Gaelic Alba Nuadh = Nova Scotia
Manx (Gaelg)	Nalbin, Albin, Albey = Scotland Albinagh = Scots, Scotch, Scottish Albinee = Scottish people Albinish = Scots (language) Gaelg Albinagh, Gaelg ny Halbey = Scottish Gaelic (Yn) Albin Noa, Nalbin Noa = Nova Scotia
Proto-Brythonic	*ėlβɨð [e̝lˈβɨːð] = world
Old Welsh	elbid [ˈelvɨð] = (upper) world, earth, land, country, district
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eluit, eluyt, eluyd = world. earth, land, country, district eluyten, eluyden, elvydenn = earth, land, country, region Albbu = Scotland Albanyeit = Scot
Welsh (Cymraeg)	elfydd = world. earth, land, country, district, neighbourhood; element elfydden = earth, land, country, region elfyddiaeth = chemistry elfyddol = material (yr) Alban [ˈalban] = Scotland Albanaidd = Scottish Albaneg = Scots (language), Scottish Gaelic, Pictish Albanes = Scottish woman or girl Albanwr = Scot (m) Alban Newydd = Nova Scotia
Cornish (Kernewek)	Alban = Scotland, Scot (m) albanek = Scottish Albanes = Scot (f) Alban Nowydh = Nova Scotia
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	albaneg = Scots (language)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	Albanad, albanat = Scottish albaneg, albanek = Scots (language)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂elbʰós (white). Alban in Welsh and Cornish was borrowed from Irish or Scottish Gaelic [Source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include Albion (England – poetic) and Alps in English, Albiōn (Britain) in Gallo-Latin, Albānia (Caucasian Albania, Albania, Scotland) in Latin, and words for the Alps in many other languages [Source].

Words from the same PIE root include albino and elf in English, albus (white, clear, bright) in Latin, and alb (white, clean, pure) in Romanian [Source].

The country of Albania got its English name from the Byzantine Greek Ἀλβανία (Albanía), which referred to an ancient region and kingdom south of Caucasus mountains, east of Armenia and west of the Caspian Sea, also known as Caucasian Albania. The Greek name came from the Latin Albānus (Albania), which refers to Albania, Caucasian Albania or Scotland, and probably came from Proto-Celtic [Source].

Scotland in Breton is Bro Skos and Nova Scotia is (Bro-)Skos Nevez. Bro means country or region, and comes from the Proto-Brythonic *broɣ (country, region, territory), from the Proto-Celtic *mrogis (border, march, region, country, territory, province), from the PIE *morǵ- (frontier, border). Cognates in other Celtic languages include bro (region, country, land, border, limit) in Welsh, and bro (country, land) in Cornish [Source]. Skos was probably borrowed from the French Ecosse (Scotland).

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

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Welsh (Kembraec)

Eightsome

Merciful

Hexagonal

Quintuple

Fourfold

Threesome

One Alone

Revenge

Scotland

Taking Hold