Honey Wine

4th June 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meaty Flesh

30th April 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for meat, flesh, breast and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kīkos = breast
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚉᚔᚉᚐ (ccica-) = breast ᚉᚉᚔᚉᚐᚋᚔᚅᚔ (ccicamini) = male given name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cích [kʲiːx] = breast Cíchmuine [ˈkʲiːxmunʲe] = male given name
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cích [kʲiːx] = pap, breast, nipple, teat cíchech, cīgech [ˈkʲiːxʲəx] = big-chested Cichmuine, Cichmhuine, Cíchmaine = male given name
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíoch [ciəx] = breast, pap, papilla, protuberance cíochach = mammary cíochbheart = bra(ssiere) cíoch-chruthach = mammiform
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìoch [kʲiəx] = breast, pap cìochach [kʲiəxəx] = mammary, pertainning to breasts, ample-bosomed cìochag cìoch [kʲiəxag] = valve, small breast cìocharan [kʲiəxan] = suckling infant
Manx (Gaelg)	keeagh [kiːx] = breast, bud, nipple, pap, teat keeaghagh = mammary
Proto-Brythonic	*kig = meat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cic, kic = meat cigva meat market, butcher’s shop, shambles, slaughter-house, carnage cicbran, cicuran, kigvrain, kicfran = raven kicawc, kigawc = meaty, fleshy kiccyd, kygyd, kigydd = butcher
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cig [kiːɡ] = meat, flesh cigaf, cigo = to fatten, become fleshy cigaidd = meaty, fleshy, bloody, cruel, carnivorous, cigfa meat market, butcher’s shop, shambles, slaughter-house, carnage cigfran = raven cigog = meaty, fleshy cigydd = butcher
Old Cornish	cic, chic = meat, flesh
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cig, kig = meat, flesh cigliu = flesh-coloured cigver, kiguer = flesh-fork
Cornish (Kernewek)	kig = meat, flesh kiger, kigores = butcher kigereth = butchery, slaughterhouse kigliw = flesh (colour), pink kigti, kigva = butcher’s, butchery, slaughterhouse
Old Breton	cic = meat, flesh
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quic = meat, flesh quicguec = fleshy, muscled
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kig [kiːk] = meat, flesh kigder = overweight kigek = fleshy, muscular, plump kigenn [ˈkiːɡɛn] = complexion, muscule kigennan, kigennañ = to build muscule, to heal kigennek [kiˈɡɛnːek] = muscule kiger [ˈkiːɡɛr] = butcher kigerezh [ki.ˈɡɛː.rɛs] = butcher’s shop

Etymology: assumed to be of expressive/imitative origin [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	brollach = breast, bosom, chest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brollach, brothlach = breast, bosom, chest
Irish (Gaeilge)	brollach [bˠəɾˠˈl̪ˠax/ˈbˠɾˠɔl̪ˠəx] = breast, bosom, front, beginning, preface, prologue brollaiocht = close wrestling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brollach [brɔl̪ˠəx] = bosom, breast, bust, chest, brisket
Manx (Gaelg)	brollagh = bosom, breast

Etymology: related to the Old Irish bruinne (breast) and brú (belly) [source]. See also the post about Hills

Proto-Celtic	*weɸolis = flesh, meat (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	feóil, féuil [fʲeːu̯lʲ] = flesh, meat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	feóil, feól = flesh, meat feólaigid = to make or form flesh feólairecht = butchery, slaughter feólamail = the flesh, worldly feólmar = fleshy
Irish (Gaeilge)	feoil [fʲoːlʲ/fʲɔːlʲ] = flesh, meat feoilteach = carnivorous feoilteoir = carnivore feoilséantóir = vegetarian feoilaire = butcher feoilmhar = fleshy, fat, flabby
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feòil [fjɔːl̪ˠ] = flesh, meat feòil-itheach [fjɔːl̪ˠ içəx] = carnivorous feòil-itheadair [fjɔːl̪ˠ içədɪrʲ] = carnivore feòil-sheachnair = vegetarian
Manx (Gaelg)	feill [feːlʲ] = flesh, meat feillagh = fleshy, meaty feill-eeagh = carnivorous feilleyder = butcher feill-haghnagh = vegetarian (adj) feill-haghneyder = vegetartian (person)

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cnes = skin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cnes, cnis, cneis, cneas = skin, surface, body, flesh, bosom, breast
Irish (Gaeilge)	cneas [cnʲasˠ/cɾʲasˠ] = skin, good appearance cneasach = covered with skin, cutaneous cneasaí = close companion, spouse, healer cneasaigh = to cicatrize, heal cneasluiteach = skintight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cneas [krʲẽs] = skin, bosom cneasachadh [krʲesəxəɣ] = (act of) squeezing, tightening, pressing, making slender, curing, healing
Proto-Brythonic	*knōto- = flesh (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	knaud, cnaut, knaỽt, knawt = flesh knowdio = to incarnate, gather flesh, be conceived knaỽtaỽl, knaỽdaỽl, knoawdol = bodily, carnal, physical, sensual, fleshy, plump
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cnawd [knau̯d] = flesh cnawdaidd = pertaining to the flesh, carnal cnawd(i)edig = fleshy, carnal cnawdiad = incarnation, putting on of flesh cnawdiaf, cnawdio = to incarnate, gather flesh, be conceived cnawdig = fleshy, carnal, fat, plump cnawdol = bodily, carnal, physical, sensual, fleshy, plump
Cornish (Kernewek)	kneus = skin
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kneud = carnality, fleshliness (?)

Etymology: possibly from PIE *kneu-t- [source].

More Celtic words for breast and meat can be found on the posts about Hills, Central Hearts, Baskets, Wings, Bones, Fatty Lard and Food

Ceilidh Companions

17th August 20231st July 2024 By Simon

Words for companion, ceilidh and related things in Celtic languages.

Ceilidh at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye / Cèilidh aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san Eilean Sgitheanach

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kēlyos = companion, servant
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚓᚂᚔ (celi) = follower, devotee (genitive)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céile [ˈkʲeːlʲe] = client, companion, husband, liege, servant, spouse, subject, vassal céilide [ˈkʲeːlʲiðʲe] = visit, visiting coicéile = companion, comrade, friend, friendship
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	céile, ceile, céli = servant, bondsman, vassal, subject, fellow, companion, husband céileachas = adultery céilide = visit, act of visiting coicéile, cocéle, coceli = vassal, bondsman, companion, fellow, friend coicéilsine, cocéilsine, cocélsine = fellowship, clientship
Irish (Gaeilge)	céile [ˈceːlʲə] = companion, spouse céileachas = companionship, cohabitation, copulation céilí = friend call, visit, social evening, Irish dancing session céilíoch = person fond of social visits, sociable person céilíocht = sociableness, companionableness céiliúil = companionable coigéile = mate, companion coigéilsine = fellowship, companionship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cèile [kʲeːlə] = fellow, partner, significant other, spouse, counterpart cèile-còmhraige = opponent, antagonist cèile-pòsta = married partner (husband or wife) cèileach [kʲeːləx] = entertaining cèileachadh [kʲeːləxəɣ] = participating/sharing in, twinning, partnering (of a city) cèiliche [kʲeːlɪçə] = visitor cèilidh [kʲeːlɪ] = ceilidh, visit, (act of) visiting cèilidheach [kʲeːlɪjəx] = companionable, fond of company, sociable
Manx (Gaelg)	keilley = match dy cheilley = joined, together e cheilley = fellow ry-cheilley = en masse, together, with each other kaylee = ceilidh
Proto-Brythonic	*kuɨlð = servant, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cilit, cilid, kilid, kilyd = servant, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cilydd [ˈkɪlɨ̞ð/ˈkiːlɪð] = fellow, companion, neighbour, enemy, other cilyddol = reciprocal, mutual at ei gilydd = together gyda’i gilydd = together ei gilydd = each other o bryd i’w gilydd = from time to time
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cele = companion, fellow, one of two
Cornish (Kernewek)	kila = companion
Old Breton	kiled = friend
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kile = the other (one), friend
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kile = associate, stooge, colleague, sidekick

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Celtic word originally meant ‘wayfarer’, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱey- (to settle, to be lying down) [source].

The English word ceilidh [ˈkeɪli] (an informal social gathering where traditional Irish or Scottish folk music is played, with dancing and storytelling; a ceilidh dance; to dance a ceilidh) was borrowed from Scottish Gaelic and/or from Irish [source]. Someone who attends a ceilidh is apparently a ceilidher [source].

The Welsh equivalent of a ceilidh is a twmpath, which also meanings hillock, knoll, mound, pile, gathering or assembly. It’s also a known as a twmpath dawns (folk-dance, barn dance, public dance) or noson lawen (“merry/joyful evening”). In Cornish a ceilidh is a troyll, which also means spiral or swirl, and in Breton they are known as fest-noz [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	comhar [kõːɾˠ] = combined work, mutual assistance, co-operation, partnership
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coimheart [kɔ̃jəRʃd] = companion
Manx (Gaelg)	commeeys = communion, connection, league, mess, participation, partnership, relations (between people)
Proto-Brythonic	*kumpar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kymar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cymar [ˈkəmar] = equal, peer, companion, mate, fellow, spouse, consort cymar bywyd = life partner cymhares = female partner, wife, mate, companion, equal cymharus = well matched, well paired, corresponding, matching, appropriate, fitting cymheiriaeth = a coupling together, partnership
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cespar = spouse, married person, mate
Cornish (Kernewek)	kespar / kespares = partner kesplegadow = compatible

Etymology (Brythonic words): from Latin compār (fellow, partner, equal [person], spouse), from con- (used to indicate being or bringing together), from cum (with), and pār (even, equal, like; companion, comrade, mate, spouse) [source]. The Goidelic words may come from different roots.

Words from the same roots include compare, pair, par (equal value) and peer in English, paar (pair, couple, some) in Dutch, and péire (pair) in Irish [source].

Proto-Brythonic	ko-u̯ekt- = companion, comrade, friend (?) ko-u̯ektii̯ŏ- = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	coueidid = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyueith, kyweith = companion, comrade, friend kiueithad = society, company, partnership kyweithaed = gathering, company kyweythas, kyweithas, keuey[th]as = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship kweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious kyweithit, ky()eithyd, kyweithyd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cywaith = companion, comrade, friend; association, harmony cyweithad = society, company, partnership cyweithäed = gathering, company cyweithas = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship, alliance, commerce; sociable, gentle, kindly cyweithasu = to associate, civilze, treat with courtesy cyweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious cyweith(i)asol = social, kind, gentle courteous cyweithydd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coweth, cowyth = companion, fellow, mate, comrade cowethas = company, society cowethe = company, sociery cowethes = female companion, help-mate cowetheyans = communion, fellowship cowethys = acquainted
Cornish (Kernewek)	koweth / kowethes = companion, comrade, friend, mate, peer kowethas = association, society kowethasek = social kowethegeth = friendship kowethek = friendly kowethus = gregarious kowethyades, kowethyas = colleague kowethyadow = socialable kowethyans = company, organisation

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *ko- (together, equal, similar) u̯ekt- (to move, go) [source].

Nephews

29th April 202229th April 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for nephew and related people in Celtic languages.

My nephew. Mo nia. Mac my shayrey. Fy nai. Ma noy. Ma niz.

Proto-Celtic	*neɸūss = nephew
Primitive Irish	ᚅᚔᚑᚈᚈᚐ (niotta) = nephew (sister’s son)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nia [ˈn͈ʲi.a] = nephew, sister’s son
Irish (Gaeilge)	nia [n̪ʲiə] = nephew garneacht = great-nephew
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nia [n̪ʲiə] = nephew (sister’s son)
Manx (Gaelg)	neear = nephew
Proto-Brythonic	*nei = nephew
Old Welsh	nei = nephew
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ney, nei = nephew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nai [nai̯] = nephew, first cousin’s son nai fab brawd = nephew (brother’s son) nai fab chwaer = nephew (sister’s son) mab nai = great-nephew naigarwch = nepotism
Middle Cornish	noi = nephew
Cornish (Kernwek)	noy = nephew
Old Breton	ny = nephew
Middle Breton	ni = nephew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	niz = nephew gourniz = great-nephew

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *népōts (grandson, descendent, nephew), possibly from *ne (not) and *pótis (master, lord, husband) [source].

Other words for nephew:

Irish: mac deirféar (sister’s son), mac dearthár (brother’s son)
Scottish Gaelic: mac-peathar (sister’s son), mac-bràthar (brother’s son)
Manx: mac shayrey (sister’s son), mac braarey (brother’s son)

Battle

15th September 202112th June 2024 By Simon

Words for battle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	katus = battle Katutigernos = “battle lord/master” (male name) Katuwelnāmnos = “battle ruler” (male name*)
Gaulish	catu, katu = battle Katutigernos (male name)
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚐᚈᚈᚒ (cattu) = battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cath [kaθ] = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, warlike cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict (from com (with) and cath)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cath, = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, vehement cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = fighter, warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict, act of waging war
Irish (Gaeilge)	cath [kah] = battle, conflict, trial, battalion cathach = battling, warlike cathaí = battler, fighter cathaigh to battle, fight, tempt cogadh [ˈkɔɡə/ˈkʌɡu] = war, warfare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cath [kah] = battle, fight, contest, struggle, battalion, warfare cathach = warlike cath nan con = dogfight cath-thuagh = battle axe blàr-catha = battlefield gairm-chatha = warcry cogadh [kogəɣ] = war, fighting, warfare
Manx (Gaelg)	cah = military action battle crooseyr cah = battle-cruiser caggey [ˈkaːɣə] = war, fight, scrap, combat, campaign, clash, battle
Proto-Brythonic	kad = battle Kadüdɨɣern (male name) Kaduwallọn (male name*)
Old Welsh	Categern, Catigern (male name) Cadwallawn (male name) Categern, Catigern (male name)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kad, kat = battle Cattegirn (male name) Catgollaun, Catguallaun, Katwallaun (male name)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cad [kaːd] = battle, conflict, war, strife, struggle, trouble, army, host, throng, multitude, band cad ar faes = at loggerheads cadfan = battlefield Cadfan (male name) = 6th century Breton missionary to Wales [more details] Cadeyrn (male name) Cadwallon (male name)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cad, câs = battle, war cadlys = camp, intrenchment cadwur = warrior, soldier, champion
Cornish (Kernewek)	kas = armed conflict, battle, war kasor, kasores = fighter kasorek = militant Kaswallawn (male name)
Old Breton	Kaduuallon, Catuuallon (male name)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kad = combat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kad = battle Kadwallawn (male name)

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (fight), which is also the root of the German words Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to bicker, quarrel, struggle) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*agrom = slaughter, battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ár = slaugter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ár = slaugter, carnage, defeat, destruction
Irish (Gaeilge)	ár [ɑːɾˠ] = slaughter, havoc ármhá = battlefied, scene of slaughter ármhach = slaughter ármhar = slaugterous, destructive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àr [aːr] = battle, battlefield, slaughter, death àr-fhaich, àr-mhagh = battlefield àrmhach = destructive
Manx (Gaelg)	haar [ˈhɛːr] = slaughter, slaughtering
Proto-Brythonic	*aɨr [aɨ̯r] = battle, carnage
Old Welsh	hair = battle, fight, war
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aer = battle, fight, war aerbeir, aerbair = battle-lord, battle-leader aerbais = coat of mail aerbar = battle-spear, spear of slaughter aerbybyr = bright, fine, valiant, zealous, strong in battle aerdawelỽch, aerdawelwch = silence after battle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aer [aːɨ̯r / ai̯r] = battle, fight, war, skirmish, carnage, slaughter, army
Old Cornish	hair = slaughter, battle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ar, hâr, har = slaughter, battle
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	air = battle, combat, carnage, massacre airma = battlefield
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hair, aer, ár = battle, combat, carnage, massacre aerva, aerfa, ármag = battlefield
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aer [ɛːr] = battle, combat, carnage (archaic) aergi [ˈɛrɡi] = fighting dog, war dog, warrior (archaic) aerva [ˈɛr.va] = battlefield (archaic)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵros (field, pasturage), possibly from *h₂eǵ- (to drive). Words from the same roots include act, action, agent and agile in English [source].

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Seasons

29th January 20211st February 2021 By Simon

Words for seasons in Celtic languages.

Spring

Proto-Celtic *wesrakos / *wesantos = spring

Old Irish (Goídelc) errach [ˈer͈ax] = spring

Irish (Gaeilge) earrach [əˈɾˠax / ˈaɾˠəx / ˈaɾˠa(h)] = spring

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) earrach [jar̪ˠəx] = spring

Manx (Gaelg) arragh [ˈarax] = spring

Proto-Brythonic *wesantēnos = spring

Old Welsh guiannuin = spring

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gwaeanhwyn / gwaeannwyn / gwannwyn = spring

Welsh (Cymraeg) gwanwyn [ˈɡwanwɨ̞n / ˈɡwanwɪn] = spring, springtime

Old Cornish guaintoin = spring

Cornish (Kernewek) gwaynten = spring

Breton (Brezhoneg) nevez-amzer = spring

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *wósr̥ (spring) [source].

Summer

Proto-Celtic *samos = summer

Gaulish samo- = summer

Old Irish (Goídelc) sam [saṽ] / samrad [ˈsaṽrað] = summer

Irish (Gaeilge) samhradh [ˈsˠəuɾˠə / ˈsˠəuɾˠuː / ˈsˠəuɾˠu] = summer, summer garland

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) samhradh [sãũrəɣ] = summer

Manx (Gaelg) sourey [ˈsaurə] = summer

Proto-Brythonic *haβ̃ = summer

Old Welsh ham = summer

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) haf = summer

Welsh (Cymraeg) haf [haːv / haː] = summer

Old Cornish haf = summer

Cornish (Kernewek) hav = summer

Old Breton ham = summer

Middle Breton haff = summer

Breton (Brezhoneg) hañv = summer

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *sm̥-h₂-ó- (summer) [source].

Autumn

Old Irish (Goídelc) fogamar / fogomur [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = autumn

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) fogamur = harvest

Irish (Gaeilge) fómhar [ˈfˠoːɾˠ / ˈfˠoːvˠəɾˠ / ˈfˠɔːwəɾˠ] = autumn, harvest season, harvest

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) foghar [fo.ər] = autumn, harvest, (act of) harvesting

Manx (Gaelg) fouyr = harvets, autumn

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) heduref / heduueref = autumn
possibly from hydd (stag) &‎ bref (bellow)

Welsh (Cymraeg) hydref [ˈhədrɛ(v) / ˈhədra] = autumn, period of full maturity, rutting season, mating time

Cornish (Kernewek) hedra / kynnyay / kydnyadh = autumn

Breton (Brezhoneg) here / kozhamzer / diskar-amzer = autumn

Etymology (Goidelic languages), from the Proto-Celtic *wo-gamur (under winter) from *gamur (winter) [source].

Winter

Proto-Celtic *gyemos / *gamur = winter

Gaulish giamos = winter (personal name)

Primitive Irish ᚌᚐᚋᚔ- (gami/gen) = winter

Old Irish (Goídelc) gam / gaim = winter, winter storm
gaimred [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = winter

Irish (Gaeilge) geimhreadh [ˈɟiːɾʲə / ˈɟiːvʲɾʲə / ˈɟɛvʲɾʲu] = winter

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) geamhradh [gʲãũrəɣ] = winter

Manx (Gaelg) geurey [ˈɡʲeurə / ˈɡʲuːrə] = winter

Old Welsh gaem = winter

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gayaf = winter

Welsh (Cymraeg) gaeaf [ˈɡeɨ̯av / ˈɡei̯av] = winter

Old Cornish goyf = winter

Cornish (Kernewek) gwav / gwâv = winter

Old Breton guoiam = winter

Middle Breton gouaff = winter

Breton (Brezhoneg) goañv [ˈɡwãw / ˈɡwã] = winter

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰyem- (winter, year, frost, snow) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

The names of the seasons, days and seasons in Celtic languages

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek

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Crows and Ravens

9th June 202016th June 2020 By Simon

Words for crow and raven in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *branos = crow, raven

Gaulish Branodūnon = place name

Primitive Irish ᚁᚏᚐᚅᚐ brana = crow, raven

Old Irish (Goídelc) bran [bran] = crow, raven

Irish (Gaeilge) bran = raven

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) bran [bran] = raven (corvus corax)

Proto-Brythonic *bran = crow, raven

Welsh (Cymraeg) brân [braːn] = crow, rook, raven; warrior; crowbar
branos = little crows, young crows; warriors
cigfran = raven

Cornish (Kernewek) bran [bɹæːn] = crow
branvras = raven

Breton (Brezhoneg) bran = raven, crow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *werneh₂- (crow), from *wer- (to burn) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) fennóc = a scald; royston crow (hooded crow)

Irish (Gaeilge) feannóg = (hooded) crow (corvus cornix)

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) feannag [fjan̪ˠag] = crow, rook

Manx (Gaelg) fannag = crow, crake

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic *wesākos = raven, grebe

Old Irish (Goídelc) fiach, fíach [fʲi.əx] = raven

Irish (Gaeilge) fiach [ˈfʲiəx] = raven

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) fitheach [fi.əx] = raven

Manx (Gaelg) feeagh = crake, raven

Welsh (Cymraeg) gwyach [ɡʊɨ̯.aχ /ɡʊi̯.aχ] = grebe

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Celtic *wes- (to feed, feast) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old-Irish Glossary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Posted in Animals, Birds, Breton (Brezhoneg), Cornish (Kernewek), English, Etymology, Gaulish, Irish (Gaeilge), Language, Middle English (Englisch), Nouns, Old English (Ænglisc), Old Irish (Goídelc), Primitive Irish, Proto-Brythonic, Proto-Celtic, Proto-Germanic, Proto-Indo-European, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Welsh (Cymraeg), Words1 Comment

Hound Dogs

28th May 202022nd May 2022 By Simon

Words for dog in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *kū = dog, wolf

Gaulish cuna = dog

Primitive Irish ᚉᚒᚅᚐ (cuna) = hound, wolf

Old Irish (Goídelc) cú [kuː] = dog

Irish (Gaeilge) cú [kuː] = dog, hound, greyhound; wolf; hero, champion

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cù [kuː] = dog, canine

Manx (Gaelg) coo [kuː] = dog, cur, hound, wolf-dog

Proto-Brythonic ki [kiː] = dog

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) ci / ki = dog

Welsh (Cymraeg) ci [kiː] = dog, hound, cur

Old Cornish ci = dog

Cornish (Kernewek) ki [kiː] = dog

Middle Breton ci / qui = dog

Breton (Brezhoneg) ki [kiː] = dog

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱwṓ (dog), which is also the root of the English words hound and canine [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) madrad, matrad = dog

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) matad = common dog, cur

Irish (Gaeilge) madra [ˈmˠad̪ˠɾˠə] / madadh [ˈmˠad̪ˠə / ˈmˠad̪ˠu] = dog, cur

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) madadh [madəɣ] = dog, mastiff

Manx (Gaelg) moddey [ˈmɔːðə] = dog, tyke

Welsh (Cymraeg) madyn / madog = fox

Etymology: unknown

Old Irish (Goídelc) gagar [ɡaɣər] = beagle, hunting dog

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) gadar = beagle, hunting dog

Irish (Gaeilge) gadhar [ɡəiɾˠ] = (hunting) dog, harrier, beagle, cur

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) gadhar [gɤ.ər] = lurcher, mastiff, greyhound

Etymology: from the Old Norse gagarr [source].

Proto-Celtic *kulēnos = whelp

Old Irish (Goídelc) cuilén [ˈkulʲeːn] = puppy, cub, kitten

Irish (Gaeilge) coiléan [kɪˈlʲaːn̪ˠ] = pup, cub, whelp; youth, scion; trickster

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cuilean [kulan] = puppy, whelp; cub; seal pup; darling, dear; short/small bone

Manx (Gaelg) quallian = puppy

Welsh (Cymraeg) colwyn [kiː] = whelp, puppy, cub; lap-dog; spaniel

Old Cornish coloin = puppy

Cornish (Kernewek) kolen [ˈkɔlɪn] = puppy, cub

Breton (Brezhoneg) kolen = puppy, fawn, rabbit

Etymology: unknown

Old Irish (Goídelc) cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy

Irish (Gaeilge) cana [ˈkanˠə] = cub, whelp; bardic poet of fourth order

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cana [kanə] = puppy, whelp

Welsh (Cymraeg) cenau / cenaw = cub, whelp, puppy, kitten; son, descendant, scion, young warrior; knave, imp, rascal; catkin, cat’s tail

Etymology: possibly from the Latin canis (dog), from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱwṓ (dog) [source], or from the Proto-Celtic *kanawo (young animal).

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old-Irish Glossary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

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Badgers

22nd March 202022nd December 2023 By Simon

Words for badger in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *brokkos = badger

Gaulish *broco / *brokkos = badger

Primitive Irish ᚁᚏᚑᚉᚔ (broci) = badger (genitive)

Old Irish (Goídelc) brocc [brok] = badger

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) brocc, broc = badger, brock
broclas = brock-holes
brocnait = she-badger
broic(th)enach = badger-warren, haunt of badgers

Irish (Gaeilge) broc [bˠɾˠɔk / bˠɾˠʌk] = badger, dirty-faced person, short thick-set person
brocach = badger’s burrow, fox’s earth
brocaire = terrier
brocaireacht = (act of) badger-baiting

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) broc [brɔxg] = badger, brock, grumpy/surly person
brocair [brɔxgɛrʲ] = badger/fox hunter
broc-lann [brɔxgl̪ˠən̪ˠ] = badger’s den/sett
broclach = (badger / fox) warren, messy area, rubbish, messy person
brocach [brɔxgəx] = badger-like, pertaining to or abounding in badgers, black-faced, stinking, squalid, filthy, odious
brocail [brɔxgal] = badger-like, pertaining to badgers

Manx (Gaelg) broc(k) = badger
brockagh = badger’s den

Proto-Brythonic *brox = badger

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) broch = badger, brock
brochwart = badger ward, keeper of a badger

Welsh (Cymraeg) broch [broːχ] = badger, brock
brochwart = badger ward, keeper of a badger

Old Cornish broch = badger

Middle Cornish (Cernewec) broch, bróch = badger

Cornish (Kernewek) brogh [bɹoːx] = badger
broghki = dachsund

Middle Breton (Brezonec) broch, broh, broc’h = badger

Breton (Brezhoneg) broc’h [ˈbʁoːx] = badger
broc’heta = to hunt badgers

Etymology: unknown, possibly cognate with Old High German braccho (sniffer dog). Words from the same Celtic roots include brochure, brooch and brock (male badger – northern England) in English, brock (badger) in Scott, broche (brooch, spit, spike, peg, pin) in French, brocco (thorn, stick) in Italian, and broco (having long projecting horns; bad-tempered) in Galician [Source].

Proto-Celtic *taskos = badger

Gaulish *tasgos = badger

Galatian τασκός (taksos) = badger

Etymology: unknown [Source].

Welsh (Cymraeg) mochyn daear / daearfochyn = badger

Etymology: from the Welsh mochyn (pig) and daear (earth, ground) [Source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Here’s a tune I wrote in 2017 called The Unexpected Badger / Y Mochyn Daear Annisgwyl

Simon Ager · The Unexpected Badger / Y Mochyn Daear Annisgwyl

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

Posted in Animals, Breton (Brezhoneg), Cornish (Kernewek), English, Etymology, Gaulish, German (Deutsch), Irish (Gaeilge), Language, Manx (Gaelg), Nouns, Old Cornish, Primitive Irish, Proto-Brythonic, Proto-Celtic, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Welsh (Cymraeg), WordsLeave a comment

Horses

5th January 202010th May 2024 By Simon

Words for horse, stallion, mare, foal and related things in Celtic languages.

Note: the commonly-used words for horse in each Celtic language are: capall in Irish, each in Scottish Gaelic, cabbyl in Manx, ceffyl in Welsh, margh in Cornish, and marc’h in Breton.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic *kaballos, *kapallos, *kappilos = horse

Gaulish *caballos = horse

Old Irish (Goídelc) capall [ˈkapal͈] = horse

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) capall, capail = horse

Irish (Gaeilge) capall ˈkapˠəl̪ˠ] = horse, mare
capallach = equine
capaillín = pony
capall maide = wooden, vaulting horse, hobby-horse

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) capall [kahbəl̪ˠ] = mare, colt, horse, small horse
capall-aibhne = hippopotamus
capall-coille = capercaillie
capall-mara = seahorse
capallach [kahbəl̪ˠəx] = pertaining to or abounding in mares/colts
capallan [kahbəl̪ˠan] = small horse, pony

Manx (Gaelg) cabbyl = horse, mount
cabbyl awin = hippopotamus
cabbyl assylagh = mule

Proto-Brythonic *kėfɨl = horse

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) keffyl, ceffyl = horse
keffylyn = little horse, nag, pony
cavall, cauall = horse, steed

Welsh (Cymraeg) ceffyl [ˈkɛfɨ̞l / ˈkɛfɪl] = horse, nag, hobby
ceffyl yr afon = hippopotamus
ceffylaf, ceffylu = to put on horseback, put one to ride the high horse, extol
ceffylaidd = pertaining to horses, equine, horsy
ceffylan = little horse, nag
ceffyles = mare
ceffylyn = little horse, nag, pony
cafall = horse, steed

Middle Cornish (Cernewec) cevil, kevil = horse

Old Breton (Brethonoc) cefel = horse

Etymology: uncertain – related to the Late Latin caballus (horse, nag) and Ancient Greek καβάλλης (kabállēs – nag) and maybe Persian کول (kaval – second class horse of mixed blood). Possibly ultimately from PIE *kebʰ- (worn-out horse, nag). Words from the same roots include cheval (horse) in French, cavalier in English and caballo (horse) in Spanish [source].

The Breton word kefeleg (woodcock) comes from the same Proto-Brythonic root, as does kevelek (woodcock) in Cornish and cyffylog (woodcock) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic *markos = horse

Galatian *μάρκαν (márkan) = horse

Gaulish *markos = horse

Old Irish (Goídelc) marc [mark] = horse

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) marc = horse

Irish (Gaeilge) marc [mˠaɾˠk] = horse (literary / archaic)
marcach = horseman, rider, jockey; cavalryman, Cavalier
marcachas = horsemanship
marchaigh = to ride
marcaíocht = riding, horsemanship, ride drive lift

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) marc [marxk] = charger (warhorse – literary)
marc-shluagh = horsemen, riders, cavalry
marchach = equestrian, mounted; riding

Manx (Gaelg) mark = horse
mark-sleih = horseman
markiagh = to ride, riding, cavalier, equestrian, horseman, jockey, rider
markiaghey = riding
markiaght = drive, equitation, horsemanship, (horse) riding, lift, rider

Proto-Brythonic *marx = horse

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) march = horse

Welsh (Cymraeg) march [marχ] = horse, stallion, war-horse, steed
marchaidd = pertaining to a horse, horsy, horselike, equine
marchallu = horsepower
marchasyn = jackass, male donkey
marchdy = stable
marchfeddyg = horse doctor, farrier
marchfilwr = dragoon, cavalryman, cavalier, trooper
marchog = horseman, rider, jockey, mounted warrior, knight

Old Cornish march = horse

Middle Cornish (Cernewec) march = horse

Cornish (Kernewek) margh [ˈmaɾx] = horse
marghek = knight, rider
margh-leska = rocking horse
marghnerth = horsepower
marghogeth = to ride (a horse)
marghti = stable

Old Breton (Brethonoc) marh = horse

Middle Breton (Brezonec) march = horse
marcheg, marhec = horseman, rider, knight
marecat = to ride (a horse)
marheguez = to ride (a horse), to dominate

Breton (Brezhoneg) marc’h [marx] = horse, easel
marc’h-tan [marxˈtãː.n] = motorbike
marc’heg [ˈmar.ɣɛk] = horseman, rider, knight
marc’hegkaat [mar.ɣe.ˈkɑːt] = to ride (a horse)
marc’hegañ =
marc’hegezh [marˈɣeːɡɛs] = to ride (a horse), to dominate
marc’hegiezh = chivalry, cavalry

Etymology: thought to be from the Proto-Indo-European *márkos, which is also the root of the English words mare and marshal, the French word maréchal (marshal), and related words in other languages [source].

Proto-Celtic *ekʷos [ˈe.kʷos] = horse

Celtiberian ekua- = horse

Gaulish epos = horse

Primitive Irish *ᚓᚊᚐᚄ (*eqas) [exʷah] = horse

Old Irish (Goídelc) ech [ex] = horse

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) ech = horse
airech = packhorse

Irish (Gaeilge) each [ax] = horse, steed (archaic)
eachach = abounding in horses
eachaí = horseman, jockey, equine
eachaire = horse-attendant, groom
each-chumhacht = horse-power
eachmharcach = horseman

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) each [ɛx] = horse
each-aibhne = hippopotamus
each-coimhlinge = racehorse
eachach [ɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in horses, horsy
eachaire [ɛxɪrʲə] = equerry
eachan [ɛxan] = small horse, yarnwindle
eachlach [ɛxl̪ˠəx] = horse groom, jockey

Manx (Gaelg) agh [ax] = steed, riding horse
aghee = equine
aghlagh, aghragh = equestrian
eagh = horse, racehorse, riding horse, steed
eagh marrey = sea horse
eagh-veg = hobbyhorse

Early Brittonic *epālos = foal

Proto-Brythonic *eb [ɛːb] = horse
*ebọl [ɛˈbɔːl] = foal

Old Welsh eb = horse

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) ep, ebawl = colt, foal
ebawluarch, ebolfarch, ebawlfarch = colt, young horse
ebolyauc, eboliauc = in foal, capable of bearing a foal

Welsh (Cymraeg) ebol [ˈɛbɔl / ˈeːbɔl] = colt, foal, sucker
eboles [ɛˈbɔlɛs] = filly, foal
ebolaidd = coltish, frisky, playful, wanton
ebolfarch = colt, young horse
cyfeb = mare in foal
ebolig = coltish
eboliog = in foal, capable of bearing a foal

Middle Cornish (Cernewec) ebel = foal, colt

Cornish (Kernewek) ebel = horse

Old Breton (Brethonoc) ebol = horse

Middle Breton (Brezonec) ebeul = foal, filly

Breton (Brezhoneg) ebeul [ˈe.bøl] = foal
ebeulan, ebeuliañ = to foal
ebeulez = filly
keneb = mare in foal

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁éḱwos, which is also the root of the Latin word for horse, equus, and the English word equine, and related words in English and other languages [source]. The horse goddess, Epona, may be related as well.

Proto-Celtic *uɸorēdos = horse

Gaulish *werēdos = horse

Proto-Brythonic *gworuɨð = horse

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) goruytaur, goruit, gorwyd , gorŵydd = steed, horse
gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed

Welsh (Cymraeg) gorwydd = steed, horse
gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *uɸo- (under) and *rēdo- (to ride; riding, chariot), from Proto-Indo-European *(H)reydʰ- (to ride). Words from the same Celtic roots include palfrey (a small horse with a smooth, ambling gait), Pferd (horse) in German, and vereda (path, lane) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic *(φ?)lārek- = mare

Old Irish (Goídelc) láir = mare

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) láir, lair = mare

Irish (Gaeilge) láír [l̪ˠɑːɾʲ] = mare
An Láír Bhán = the Milky Way
láír bhán = hobby-horse
láíreog = little mare, young mare, filly, well-built girl, woman

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) làir [l̪ˠaːrʲ] = mare

Manx (Gaelg) laair = mare
laaireen = small mare

Etymology: possibly from PIE *pōlH- (animal young), which is also the root of pony and foal in English, pollo (chicken) in Spanish, and poule (hen) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic *kanxstikā = mare

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) cassec, kassec = mare

Welsh (Cymraeg) caseg [ˈkasɛg] = mare

Old Cornish casec, cassec, casac = mare

Middle Cornish (Cernewec) casek = mare

Cornish (Kernewek) kasek = mare

Middle Breton (Brezonec) casec, casecq = mare

Breton (Brezhoneg) kazeg [ˈkɑː.zek] = mare

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱonḱ- (horse) [source]. Words from the same root possibly include henchman in English, hengst (stallion) in Dutch, and häst (horse, knight) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic *stirrākos = small animal, chick

Old Irish (Goídelc) serrach = colt, faol

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) serrach = colt, faol

Irish (Gaeilge) searrach = colt, faol
searrachúil = foal-like, lively, flighty

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) searrach [ʃɛr̪ˠəx] = colt, faol, filly
searrachan [ʃɛr̪ˠəxan] = little foal
searrach-ruadh = buzzard

Manx (Gaelg) sharragh = faol
sharraghoil = faol-like

Etymology: from PIE *stirp- (progeny). Words from the same root possibly include estirpe (lingeage) in Spanish, and sterpo (dry twig or branch, brushwood) in Italian [source].

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

Posted in Adjectives, Ancient Greek (Ἑλληνική), Animals, Breton (Brezhoneg), Celtiberian, Cornish (Kernewek), Dutch (Nederlands), English, Etymology, French (français), Galatian, Gaulish, German (Deutsch), Irish (Gaeilge), Italian (italiano), Language, Latin (lingua latīna), Manx (Gaelg), Middle Breton (Brezonec), Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak), Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg), Middle Welsh (Kymraec), Nouns, Old Breton (Brethonoc), Old Cornish, Old Irish (Goídelc), Old Welsh (Kembraec), Persian (Fārsī / فارسی), Primitive Irish, Proto-Brythonic, Proto-Celtic, Proto-Indo-European, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Spanish (español), Swedish (svenska), Verbs, Vulgar Latin (sermo vulgaris), Welsh (Cymraeg), WordsLeave a comment

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Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Primitive Irish

Honey Wine

Meaty Flesh

Ceilidh Companions

Nephews

Battle

Seasons

Crows and Ravens

Hound Dogs

Badgers

Horses

Proto-Celtic	wesrakos / wesantos = spring
Old Irish (Goídelc)	errach [ˈer͈ax] = spring
Irish (Gaeilge)	earrach [əˈɾˠax / ˈaɾˠəx / ˈaɾˠa(h)] = spring
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	earrach [jar̪ˠəx] = spring
Manx (Gaelg)	arragh [ˈarax] = spring
Proto-Brythonic	*wesantēnos = spring
Old Welsh	guiannuin = spring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwaeanhwyn / gwaeannwyn / gwannwyn = spring
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanwyn [ˈɡwanwɨ̞n / ˈɡwanwɪn] = spring, springtime
Old Cornish	guaintoin = spring
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwaynten = spring
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nevez-amzer = spring

Proto-Celtic	*samos = summer
Gaulish	samo- = summer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sam [saṽ] / samrad [ˈsaṽrað] = summer
Irish (Gaeilge)	samhradh [ˈsˠəuɾˠə / ˈsˠəuɾˠuː / ˈsˠəuɾˠu] = summer, summer garland
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	samhradh [sãũrəɣ] = summer
Manx (Gaelg)	sourey [ˈsaurə] = summer
Proto-Brythonic	*haβ̃ = summer
Old Welsh	ham = summer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	haf = summer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	haf [haːv / haː] = summer
Old Cornish	haf = summer
Cornish (Kernewek)	hav = summer
Old Breton	ham = summer
Middle Breton	haff = summer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hañv = summer

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fogamar / fogomur [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = autumn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fogamur = harvest
Irish (Gaeilge)	fómhar [ˈfˠoːɾˠ / ˈfˠoːvˠəɾˠ / ˈfˠɔːwəɾˠ] = autumn, harvest season, harvest
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	foghar [fo.ər] = autumn, harvest, (act of) harvesting
Manx (Gaelg)	fouyr = harvets, autumn
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	heduref / heduueref = autumn possibly from hydd (stag) &‎ bref (bellow)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hydref [ˈhədrɛ(v) / ˈhədra] = autumn, period of full maturity, rutting season, mating time
Cornish (Kernewek)	hedra / kynnyay / kydnyadh = autumn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	here / kozhamzer / diskar-amzer = autumn

Proto-Celtic	gyemos / gamur = winter
Gaulish	giamos = winter (personal name)
Primitive Irish	ᚌᚐᚋᚔ- (gami/gen) = winter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gam / gaim = winter, winter storm gaimred [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = winter
Irish (Gaeilge)	geimhreadh [ˈɟiːɾʲə / ˈɟiːvʲɾʲə / ˈɟɛvʲɾʲu] = winter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geamhradh [gʲãũrəɣ] = winter
Manx (Gaelg)	geurey [ˈɡʲeurə / ˈɡʲuːrə] = winter
Old Welsh	gaem = winter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gayaf = winter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gaeaf [ˈɡeɨ̯av / ˈɡei̯av] = winter
Old Cornish	goyf = winter
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwav / gwâv = winter
Old Breton	guoiam = winter
Middle Breton	gouaff = winter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	goañv [ˈɡwãw / ˈɡwã] = winter

Proto-Celtic	*branos = crow, raven
Gaulish	Branodūnon = place name
Primitive Irish	ᚁᚏᚐᚅᚐ brana = crow, raven
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bran [bran] = crow, raven
Irish (Gaeilge)	bran = raven
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bran [bran] = raven (corvus corax)
Proto-Brythonic	*bran = crow, raven
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brân [braːn] = crow, rook, raven; warrior; crowbar branos = little crows, young crows; warriors cigfran = raven
Cornish (Kernewek)	bran [bɹæːn] = crow branvras = raven
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bran = raven, crow

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fennóc = a scald; royston crow (hooded crow)
Irish (Gaeilge)	feannóg = (hooded) crow (corvus cornix)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feannag [fjan̪ˠag] = crow, rook
Manx (Gaelg)	fannag = crow, crake

Proto-Celtic	*wesākos = raven, grebe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fiach, fíach [fʲi.əx] = raven
Irish (Gaeilge)	fiach [ˈfʲiəx] = raven
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fitheach [fi.əx] = raven
Manx (Gaelg)	feeagh = crake, raven
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyach [ɡʊɨ̯.aχ /ɡʊi̯.aχ] = grebe

Proto-Celtic	*kū = dog, wolf
Gaulish	cuna = dog
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚒᚅᚐ (cuna) = hound, wolf
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cú [kuː] = dog
Irish (Gaeilge)	cú [kuː] = dog, hound, greyhound; wolf; hero, champion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cù [kuː] = dog, canine
Manx (Gaelg)	coo [kuː] = dog, cur, hound, wolf-dog
Proto-Brythonic	ki [kiː] = dog
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ci / ki = dog
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ci [kiː] = dog, hound, cur
Old Cornish	ci = dog
Cornish (Kernewek)	ki [kiː] = dog
Middle Breton	ci / qui = dog
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ki [kiː] = dog

Old Irish (Goídelc)	madrad, matrad = dog
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	matad = common dog, cur
Irish (Gaeilge)	madra [ˈmˠad̪ˠɾˠə] / madadh [ˈmˠad̪ˠə / ˈmˠad̪ˠu] = dog, cur
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	madadh [madəɣ] = dog, mastiff
Manx (Gaelg)	moddey [ˈmɔːðə] = dog, tyke
Welsh (Cymraeg)	madyn / madog = fox

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gagar [ɡaɣər] = beagle, hunting dog
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gadar = beagle, hunting dog
Irish (Gaeilge)	gadhar [ɡəiɾˠ] = (hunting) dog, harrier, beagle, cur
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gadhar [gɤ.ər] = lurcher, mastiff, greyhound

Proto-Celtic	*kulēnos = whelp
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuilén [ˈkulʲeːn] = puppy, cub, kitten
Irish (Gaeilge)	coiléan [kɪˈlʲaːn̪ˠ] = pup, cub, whelp; youth, scion; trickster
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuilean [kulan] = puppy, whelp; cub; seal pup; darling, dear; short/small bone
Manx (Gaelg)	quallian = puppy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	colwyn [kiː] = whelp, puppy, cub; lap-dog; spaniel
Old Cornish	coloin = puppy
Cornish (Kernewek)	kolen [ˈkɔlɪn] = puppy, cub
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kolen = puppy, fawn, rabbit

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy
Irish (Gaeilge)	cana [ˈkanˠə] = cub, whelp; bardic poet of fourth order
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cana [kanə] = puppy, whelp
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cenau / cenaw = cub, whelp, puppy, kitten; son, descendant, scion, young warrior; knave, imp, rascal; catkin, cat’s tail

Proto-Celtic	*brokkos = badger
Gaulish	broco / brokkos = badger
Primitive Irish	ᚁᚏᚑᚉᚔ (broci) = badger (genitive)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	brocc [brok] = badger
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brocc, broc = badger, brock broclas = brock-holes brocnait = she-badger broic(th)enach = badger-warren, haunt of badgers
Irish (Gaeilge)	broc [bˠɾˠɔk / bˠɾˠʌk] = badger, dirty-faced person, short thick-set person brocach = badger’s burrow, fox’s earth brocaire = terrier brocaireacht = (act of) badger-baiting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	broc [brɔxg] = badger, brock, grumpy/surly person brocair [brɔxgɛrʲ] = badger/fox hunter broc-lann [brɔxgl̪ˠən̪ˠ] = badger’s den/sett broclach = (badger / fox) warren, messy area, rubbish, messy person brocach [brɔxgəx] = badger-like, pertaining to or abounding in badgers, black-faced, stinking, squalid, filthy, odious brocail [brɔxgal] = badger-like, pertaining to badgers
Manx (Gaelg)	broc(k) = badger brockagh = badger’s den
Proto-Brythonic	*brox = badger
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	broch = badger, brock brochwart = badger ward, keeper of a badger
Welsh (Cymraeg)	broch [broːχ] = badger, brock brochwart = badger ward, keeper of a badger
Old Cornish	broch = badger
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	broch, bróch = badger
Cornish (Kernewek)	brogh [bɹoːx] = badger broghki = dachsund
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	broch, broh, broc’h = badger
Breton (Brezhoneg)	broc’h [ˈbʁoːx] = badger broc’heta = to hunt badgers

Proto-Celtic	*taskos = badger
Gaulish	*tasgos = badger
Galatian	τασκός (taksos) = badger

Proto-Celtic	kaballos, kapallos, *kappilos = horse
Gaulish	*caballos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	capall [ˈkapal͈] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	capall, capail = horse
Irish (Gaeilge)	capall ˈkapˠəl̪ˠ] = horse, mare capallach = equine capaillín = pony capall maide = wooden, vaulting horse, hobby-horse
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	capall [kahbəl̪ˠ] = mare, colt, horse, small horse capall-aibhne = hippopotamus capall-coille = capercaillie capall-mara = seahorse capallach [kahbəl̪ˠəx] = pertaining to or abounding in mares/colts capallan [kahbəl̪ˠan] = small horse, pony
Manx (Gaelg)	cabbyl = horse, mount cabbyl awin = hippopotamus cabbyl assylagh = mule
Proto-Brythonic	*kėfɨl = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keffyl, ceffyl = horse keffylyn = little horse, nag, pony cavall, cauall = horse, steed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceffyl [ˈkɛfɨ̞l / ˈkɛfɪl] = horse, nag, hobby ceffyl yr afon = hippopotamus ceffylaf, ceffylu = to put on horseback, put one to ride the high horse, extol ceffylaidd = pertaining to horses, equine, horsy ceffylan = little horse, nag ceffyles = mare ceffylyn = little horse, nag, pony cafall = horse, steed
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cevil, kevil = horse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	cefel = horse

Proto-Celtic	*markos = horse
Galatian	*μάρκαν (márkan) = horse
Gaulish	*markos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	marc [mark] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	marc = horse
Irish (Gaeilge)	marc [mˠaɾˠk] = horse (literary / archaic) marcach = horseman, rider, jockey; cavalryman, Cavalier marcachas = horsemanship marchaigh = to ride marcaíocht = riding, horsemanship, ride drive lift
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	marc [marxk] = charger (warhorse – literary) marc-shluagh = horsemen, riders, cavalry marchach = equestrian, mounted; riding
Manx (Gaelg)	mark = horse mark-sleih = horseman markiagh = to ride, riding, cavalier, equestrian, horseman, jockey, rider markiaghey = riding markiaght = drive, equitation, horsemanship, (horse) riding, lift, rider
Proto-Brythonic	*marx = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	march = horse
Welsh (Cymraeg)	march [marχ] = horse, stallion, war-horse, steed marchaidd = pertaining to a horse, horsy, horselike, equine marchallu = horsepower marchasyn = jackass, male donkey marchdy = stable marchfeddyg = horse doctor, farrier marchfilwr = dragoon, cavalryman, cavalier, trooper marchog = horseman, rider, jockey, mounted warrior, knight
Old Cornish	march = horse
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	march = horse
Cornish (Kernewek)	margh [ˈmaɾx] = horse marghek = knight, rider margh-leska = rocking horse marghnerth = horsepower marghogeth = to ride (a horse) marghti = stable
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	marh = horse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	march = horse marcheg, marhec = horseman, rider, knight marecat = to ride (a horse) marheguez = to ride (a horse), to dominate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	marc’h [marx] = horse, easel marc’h-tan [marxˈtãː.n] = motorbike marc’heg [ˈmar.ɣɛk] = horseman, rider, knight marc’hegkaat [mar.ɣe.ˈkɑːt] = to ride (a horse) marc’hegañ = marc’hegezh [marˈɣeːɡɛs] = to ride (a horse), to dominate marc’hegiezh = chivalry, cavalry

Proto-Celtic	*ekʷos [ˈe.kʷos] = horse
Celtiberian	ekua- = horse
Gaulish	epos = horse
Primitive Irish	ᚓᚊᚐᚄ (eqas) [exʷah] = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ech [ex] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ech = horse airech = packhorse
Irish (Gaeilge)	each [ax] = horse, steed (archaic) eachach = abounding in horses eachaí = horseman, jockey, equine eachaire = horse-attendant, groom each-chumhacht = horse-power eachmharcach = horseman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	each [ɛx] = horse each-aibhne = hippopotamus each-coimhlinge = racehorse eachach [ɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in horses, horsy eachaire [ɛxɪrʲə] = equerry eachan [ɛxan] = small horse, yarnwindle eachlach [ɛxl̪ˠəx] = horse groom, jockey
Manx (Gaelg)	agh [ax] = steed, riding horse aghee = equine aghlagh, aghragh = equestrian eagh = horse, racehorse, riding horse, steed eagh marrey = sea horse eagh-veg = hobbyhorse
Early Brittonic	*epālos = foal
Proto-Brythonic	eb [ɛːb] = horse ebọl [ɛˈbɔːl] = foal
Old Welsh	eb = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ep, ebawl = colt, foal ebawluarch, ebolfarch, ebawlfarch = colt, young horse ebolyauc, eboliauc = in foal, capable of bearing a foal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ebol [ˈɛbɔl / ˈeːbɔl] = colt, foal, sucker eboles [ɛˈbɔlɛs] = filly, foal ebolaidd = coltish, frisky, playful, wanton ebolfarch = colt, young horse cyfeb = mare in foal ebolig = coltish eboliog = in foal, capable of bearing a foal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ebel = foal, colt
Cornish (Kernewek)	ebel = horse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ebol = horse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ebeul = foal, filly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ebeul [ˈe.bøl] = foal ebeulan, ebeuliañ = to foal ebeulez = filly keneb = mare in foal

Proto-Celtic	*uɸorēdos = horse
Gaulish	*werēdos = horse
Proto-Brythonic	*gworuɨð = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	goruytaur, goruit, gorwyd , gorŵydd = steed, horse gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gorwydd = steed, horse gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed

Proto-Celtic	*(φ?)lārek- = mare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	láir = mare
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láir, lair = mare
Irish (Gaeilge)	láír [l̪ˠɑːɾʲ] = mare An Láír Bhán = the Milky Way láír bhán = hobby-horse láíreog = little mare, young mare, filly, well-built girl, woman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làir [l̪ˠaːrʲ] = mare
Manx (Gaelg)	laair = mare laaireen = small mare

Proto-Celtic	*kanxstikā = mare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cassec, kassec = mare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caseg [ˈkasɛg] = mare
Old Cornish	casec, cassec, casac = mare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	casek = mare
Cornish (Kernewek)	kasek = mare
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	casec, casecq = mare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kazeg [ˈkɑː.zek] = mare

Proto-Celtic	*stirrākos = small animal, chick
Old Irish (Goídelc)	serrach = colt, faol
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	serrach = colt, faol
Irish (Gaeilge)	searrach = colt, faol searrachúil = foal-like, lively, flighty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	searrach [ʃɛr̪ˠəx] = colt, faol, filly searrachan [ʃɛr̪ˠəxan] = little foal searrach-ruadh = buzzard
Manx (Gaelg)	sharragh = faol sharraghoil = faol-like