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.

Bark and Beehives

17th November 202122nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for bark, beehives and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ruskos = bark, beehive
Gaulish	rusca / ruskā = bark, beehive
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rúsc [ruːsk] = (tree) bark, basket, covering
Irish (Gaeilge)	rúsc [ɾˠuːsˠk] = (tree) bark, vessel made of bark rúscach = bark-like; rough, wrinkled (skin) rúscán = strip of bark, vessel made of bark, kind of seaweed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rùsg [r̪ˠuːsg] = (tree) bark, peel, rind, husk, crust, fleece rùsg-caorach = sheep’s fleece rùsg-abhaill = apple peel rùsg na Talmhainn = crust of the Earth rùsgan [r̪ˠuːsgan] = thin (tree) bark, thin peel/rind/husk, thin crust, small fleece, bark boat rùsgach = fleecy
Manx (Gaelg)	roost [ruːst] = peel, bark, rind roostey = strip, peel, hull, rob, bare, rind, debunk, rifle, unbark, deprive, peeling, exposure
Proto-Brythonic	*rrisk = bark
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	risgl, risg, rhisg, risc = bark
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhisg(l) [ˈr̥ɪsɡ(l)/ˈr̥ɪsɡɪ(l)] = (piece of) bark, rind, peel (of fruit) husk (of grain) rhisg(l)ach = pieces of bark rhisgen = (bark) dish or pan rhisglen = (piece of) bark, rind; hackle, flax comb rhisgl(i)af, rhisgaf, rhisgl(i)o, rhisgo = to bark, decorticate, peel (off), develop bark (on), encrust rhisg(l)aidd = having bark or rind, corticate(d), covered with bark
Old Cornish	rusc = bark
Middle Cornish	risc = bark
Cornish (Kernewek)	rusken = bark, peel ruskek = rough-barked
Middle Breton	rusquenn = beehive
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rusk = bark, peel, zest ruskek = rough, rugged, coarse ruskenn = (bee)hive, apiary ruskennad = beehive ruskenner = beehive maker

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃rewk- (to dig up), possibly from *h₃er- (to move, stir) [source].

The French word ruche (beehive, ruffle, flounce) and the Catalan word rusc (beehive) come from the Gaulish root rusca, via the Late Latin rusca (bark), and the English word ruche (pleated fabric, ruff), and the German word Rüsche (ruffle, ruche) were borrowed from French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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.

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)

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

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

Headlands and Promontories

22nd October 202122nd October 2021 By Simon

Words for headlands, promontories and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	ɸrossos/frosto- = height, elevated land, (wooded) hill
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ros = wood, height
Irish (Gaeilge)	ros [ɾˠɔsˠ] = wood, (wooded) headland, promontory rosach = wooded, promontoried
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ros [r̪ˠɔs] = peninsula, promontory, wood, forest rosach = pertaining to or abounding in peninsulas/promontories; wooded, forested ros-eilean = wooded/forested island frith-eilean rosach = wooded islet
Manx (Gaelg)	ros = wood ros-cheyll = spinney
Proto-Brythonic	*rros = moor, heath
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ros = moor, heath
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhos [r̥oːs] = (upland) moor, heath(land), down, meadow on high land, marshland, plain, wilderness, desert rhostir = moor(land), heath, marshland, plain, savannah, prairie, wilderness, desert
Cornish (Kernewek)	ros [ˈɹoːz] = hill-spur, moor, promontory
Middle Breton	ros = hillside, moor
Breton (Brezhoneg)	roz = hillside, moor

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *prosth₂os (protruding), from *pro- (before) and *steh₂- (to stand) [source].

These words appear mainly in place names, such as Ros Comáin (Roscommon) and An Ros Mór (Rossmore) in Ireland, Ros an Iar (Wester Ross) in Scotland, and Penrhos in Wales and England.

Proto-Celtic	*rendi- = point, peak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rind = point, peak
Irish (Gaeilge)	rinn = point, tip; top, apex; point of land, cape, promontory; pointed weapon, sharp-pointed instrument; last word of a verse-line rinneach = pointed, sharp, keen, biting rinnghéar = sharp-pointed rinnstua = pointed arch, ogive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rinn [r̪ˠiːn̪ʲ] = headland, promontory; acumen; apex, vortex, point rinneach = pointed; pertaining to a headland, promontory rinn snàthaid = point of a needle
Manx (Gaelg)	rinn = hook, rinn, ridge, foreland, point of a weapon rinn chorrylagh = coral reef rinn ughtee = bluff rinn yiarg = red-hot poker Yn Rinn Vooar = Great Barrier Reef
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rin, rynn = cape, promontory, hill, tump
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhyn = cape, promontory, hill, tump; rigid, stiff, unyielding, steadfast, brave; turbulent, rough, fierce, threatening, terrible; cold, chilly, shivery penrhyn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula, isthmus
Cornish (Kernewek)	rynn [ɹɪn] = cape, promontory, headland pennrynn, penryn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula, isthmus
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rinn = cape, promontory, headland

Etymology: unknown [source]

It is not known whether the Irish word rinn (star, planet, heavenly body) comes from root.

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

Islands

20th October 202120th October 2021 By Simon

Words for islands and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*enistī = island
Old Irish (Goídelc)	inis = island
Irish (Gaeilge)	inis [ˈɪnʲɪʃ] = island leithinis = peninsula Inse Ghall = the Hebrides
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	innis [ĩːʃ] = haugh; grazing (land); island (archaic) innis-bhó = cattle pasture Innis Fàil = Ireland (poetic) Innis nan Òg = Isle of the Young/Youth, Tìr nan Òg (in mythology) leth-innis = peninsula
Manx (Gaelg)	innis, innys, insh = island, iselet insheen = iselet innysagh = insular innysaght = insularity mooirinshyn = archipelago lieh-innys = peninsula
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨnɨs [ɨˈnˑɨs] = island
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ynys, enys, inys = island enys Auallach = the island of Avalon ynys y kedeirn / Enys Wen = Island of Britain
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ynys [ˈənɨ̞s/ˈənɪs] = island, isle; (the) Western Isles; kingdom, realm, land, province. region, area, river-meadow Ynys Afallach/Afallon = the island of Avalon Ynys y Cedryn / yr Ynys Wen = Island of Britain (“Island of the Mighty Ones” / “the White Island”) ynys draffig = traffic island ynysaf, ynysu = to isolate, insulate ynysedig = isolated, insulated ynysfor = archipelago ynysiad = isolation, insulation ynysig = islet, small island ynysog = insular, insulated, archipelagic ynyswr = islander
Cornish (Kernewek)	enys = island enesek = archipelago enesik = islet enesega = to insulate enyshe = to isolate enyshes = isolated
Old Breton	inis = island
Middle Breton	enes = island
Breton (Brezhoneg)	enez [ˈẽː.nes] = island enezig / enezennig = small island, islet; block (of buildings), patch (of ground) enezeg = archipelago enezennet = enclosed

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁eni-sth₂-ih₂ (“that which stands in (the water)”) from *(h₁)en- (in) and *steh₂- (stand) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ailén [ˈalʲeːn] = island
Irish (Gaeilge)	oileán [ˈɪnʲɪʃ] = island; isolated place oileán sráide/tráchta = street-refuge, traffic island An tOileán Úr = the New World, America oileánach = islander, abounding in islands, insular oileánachas = insularism, insularity oileánrach = group of islands, archipelago glasoileán = peninsula; island accessible by bridge or on foot at low tide
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eilean [elan] = isle, island eilean anabaich = promontory eilean-mara / eilean-tràghaidh = tidal island frith-eilean = small island, islet leth-eilean = peninsula ros-eilean = wooded/forested island Eilean a’ Cheò = The Isle of Skye (“Isle of Mist” – poetic) Eilean an Fhraoich = The Isle of Lewis (“Isle of Heather” poetic) Comhairle nan Eilean = The Council of the Isles, The Western Isles Council
Manx (Gaelg)	ellan = isle, island ellanagh = islander; insular ellanaght / ellanys = insularity ellaneen = islet ellanragh = archipelago Ellan Vannin = Isle of Man

Etymology: from the Old Irish ail (boulder, rock) and -én (diminutive suffix) [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

Lakes and Ponds

15th October 202115th October 2021 By Simon

Words for lakes, ponds and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*lindā = pool, lake
Gaulish	lindon = pool, lake; sea, ocean
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lind [l̠ʲiːn̠ʲ / l̠ʲɪn̠ʲ] = pool, pond, body of water, lake, sea
Irish (Gaeilge)	linn = pool, pond, body of water, lake, sea linn mhuilinn = mill-pond linn lachan = duck pond linneach = full of pools, watery linneolaíocht = limnology (freshwater science) linntreog = small pool, puddle, pot-hole
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	linne [l̪ʲin̪ʲə] deep pool; strait, sound, firth linne-thuathal, faochag-linne = whirlpool Linne Giùdain = Firth of Forth Linne Shalmhaigh = Solway Firth éisg-linn = fishpond
Manx (Gaelg)	lhingey = pool, pond, backwater lhingey chassee = small whirlpool lhingey eeast = fishpond
Proto-Brythonic	*llɨnn = lake, liquid
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llynn = lake, liquid
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyn [ɬɨ̞n/ɬɪn] = lake, pool, pond, puddle, moat llyn anoddun = bottomless pit, the deep llyn melin = mill pond llyn tro = whirlpool
Old Cornish	lin = lake
Cornish (Kernewek)	lynn, lydn = lake
Old Breton	lin = lake
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lenn = lake, basin, washhouse, fishpond, body of water

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *liH-nd-o-/*liH-nd-u [source].

These words appear in places names such as Lincoln in England, Dublin in Ireland, Lintgen in Luxembourg, Limmat – a river in Switzerland (originally Lindimacus), and possibly strong>Lindern in Germany.

Proto-Celtic	*loku = lake, pool
Old Irish (Goídelc)	loch [l͈ox] = lake, inlet of the sea
Irish (Gaeilge)	loch [l̪ˠɔx] = lake, pool, (body of) water, arm of the sea, lough, fiord lochach = having (many) lakes lochán = small lake, pond lochánach = having (many) small lakes loch-chuach = lake basin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	loch [l̪ˠɔx] = loch, lake lochach = pertaining to or abounding in lochs/lakes lochan = small lake, loch loch-mara = sea loch loch-tasgaidh = reservoir loch-uisge = freshwater loch/lake feur-lochan = small grassy loch (which tends to dry up)
Manx (Gaelg)	logh [laːx] = lake, lough, loch, arm of the sea loghan = small lake, pond, dam, tank, dock, pool loghanagh = full of lakes logh-hailjey = saltwater lake logh-ushtey = freshwater lake
Old Welsh	lichou = lake, pool
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	luch, lluch = lake, pool
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwch [ɬuːχ] = lake, pool, stagnant water, bog, swamp, marsh, mud, mire, grime, filth, dung
Cornish (Kernewek)	logh = inlet
Middle Breton	laguenn = flooded field
Breton (Brezhoneg)	loc’h = pond, lagoon, flooded meadow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *lókus (pond, pool), which is also the root of the Icelandic lögur (liquid, fluid, lake, sea), and words for lake in Romance languages, including lac in French, Occitan and Romanian, and lago in Galician, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese [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

Ale and Beer

12th October 202123rd September 2022 By Simon

Words for ale, beer and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*lindo- = drink
Gaulish	linda = drink
Old Irish (Goídelc)	linn [ˈl͈ʲin͈ʲ] = drink, liquid, brew, ale, beer, intoxicating drink lind = liquid, drink, ale
Irish (Gaeilge)	leann = (pale) ale, beer; liquid, fluid lionn = humour (of the body) lionndubhach = melancholy, depressed leannadóir = ale-merchant leannlus = hop leann bó = milk leann donn = brown ale leann dubh = stout leann piorra = perry leann sinséir = ginger ale leann úll = cider iarleann = small, weak beer seomra leanna = tap-room teach leanna = ale-house
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leann [l̪ʲãũn̪ˠ] / lionn [l̪ʲũːn̪ˠ]= ale, beer; humour (of the body); fluid, liquid lionn-dubh = dejection, melancholy lionn searbh = bitter (ale) lionn-ubhal = cider
Manx (Gaelg)	lhune = ale, beer lhune doo = stout, porter lhune freillagh = lager lhune jinshar = ginger beer lhune ooyl = cider lhune peear = perry lhune sharroo = bitter (beer/ale) shamyr lhionney = bar room, lounge bar, tap room thie lhionney = ale house, pub
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llynn = drink
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyn [ɬɨ̞n/ɬɪn] = drink, beverage, intoxicating liquor, cordial, juice; liquid, humour llyn afalau = cider, apple juice llyn y bustl = bile llyn gellyg = perry
Old Cornish	lin = fluid, liquid, lotion
Cornish (Kernewek)	lin = fluid, liquid, lotion lin-golghi = washing detergent lin leur = floor cleaner lin sebon = detergent, washing-up liquid
Old Breton	linnou = drink
Breton (Brezhoneg)	liñvenn = liquid

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *liH-nd-o- [source].

Proto-Celtic	kormi, kurman = beer
Gaulish	curmi, curmím, κόρμα (kórma), κούρμι (koúrmi) = beer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuirm = ale, beer
Irish (Gaeilge)	coirm, cuirm [kɞɾʲəmʲ] = ale, drinking-party, feast, banquet coirmeach = ale-drinking, festive coirmtheach = ale-house coirm cheoil, ceolchoirm = concert
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuirm [kurʲum] = feast, banquet, entertainment; ale, beer (archaic) co(i)rm = ale, beer cuirm-chiùil = concert cuirm-chnuic = picnic
Manx (Gaelg)	cuirrey = banquet, feast cuirrey kiaull = concert
Proto-Brythonic	kuruβ ̃, kurβ̃ = beer, ale
Old Welsh	curum = beer, ale
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kuref, kwryf, kwrwf, cwrwf, cyryw = beer, ale
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwrw [ˈkʊru / ˈkuːru] = beer, ale cwrw Adda = Adam’s ale, water cwrw casgen = draught beer cwrw coch = brown ale cwrw cychwyn = a drink of beer on setting out on a journey, one for the road coesau cwrw = a drunken gait (“beer legs”)
Old Cornish	coref, coruf = ale, beer
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	cor = ale, beer coref = ale, beer
Cornish (Kernewek)	korev, kor = ale, beer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	korev = ale, beer

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-Eurpean *kremH- (to burn) [source], or *ḱr̥h₃-m- (porridge, soup), or *ḱh₁erh₂- (to mix) [source].

The Latin word cervēs(i)a (beer) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, as do words for beer in several Romance languages, including Spanish (cerveza), Portuguese (cerveja), Galician (cervexa) and Catalan (cervesa) [source].

More about words for beer in European languages.

Irish (Gaeilge)	beoir [bʲoːɾʲ] = beer, a woman (rare, colloquial) beoir bhairille = draught beer beoir shinséir = ginger beer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beòir [bjɔːrʲ] = beer beòir chaol = small beer roipean beòir = beer moustache
Manx (Gaelg)	beer = beer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ber, berr, berre = beer, ale
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bir = beer, ale
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bier = ale, beer

Etymology (Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx): from the Old Norse bjórr, from the Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer), from the Proto-Indo-Eurpean *bʰews- (dross, sediment) [source].

Etymology (Welsh): from the English beer, from the Middle English bere (beer), from the Old English bēor (beer), from the Proto-West Germanic *beuʀ (beer), from the Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer) [source].

Etymology (Breton): from the French bière (beer), from the Old French biere (beer), from the Middle Dutch bier/bēr (beer), from the Frankish *bior (beer), from Proto-Germanic *beuzą (beer) [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: Proto-Celtic

Parts and Portions

Trousers, Socks and Sites

Bark and Beehives

Calling Words

Ditches and Trenches

Beaches and Shores

Headlands and Promontories

Islands

Lakes and Ponds

Ale and Beer