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

Barn

23rd April 202423rd April 2024 By Simon

Words for barn and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sciból = barn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sciból, sgioból = barn, granary
Irish (Gaeilge)	scioból [ʃkɪˈbˠoːl̪ˠ] = barn
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgiobal [sgʲibəl̪ˠ] = barn, granary
Manx (Gaelg)	skibbalt = barn, granary
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	scipaur = barn, granary
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ysgubaỽr, yscubawr, sgubor, yscubor, yscupor = barn, granary
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgubor, sgubor [əsˈɡɨ̞bɔr/əsˈɡiːbɔr] = barn, granary, farm building (y)sguboraidd = barn-like ysguborio = to put or store in a barn
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scaber, sciber, skibor = barn, any large room
Cornish (Kernewek)	skiber = barn, corn-loft, granary
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	squiber, skiber = lean-to, shed, reception room
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skiber = shed, lean-to, storage room

Etymology (Brythonic words): possibly from Proto-Brytonic *ɨskʉb (sheaf), from Latin scōpa (branch of a plant, broom, besom), from Proto-Italic *skōpās, from Proto-Indo-European *skeh₂p- (rod, shaft, staff, club) [source]. The Goidelic words were probably borrowed from a Brythonic language [source].

Some words for Brushes and Brooms in Celtic languages come from the same roots, as do the words scopa (broom) in Italian, escoba (broom) in Spanish, and shqopë (heather, heath, briar) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	saball = barn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	saball = barn
Irish (Gaeilge)	sabhall = barn
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sabhal [sa.əl̪ˠ] = barn, granary sabhal-feòir = hay barn sabhalalach [sa.əl̪ˠəx] = barn-like, pertaining to or abounding in barns
Manx (Gaelg)	soalt = barn, granary

Etymology: from Latin stablum (dwelling, stable, hut, tavern), from stō (to stand, stay, remain) and‎ -bulum (instrumental suffix) ( [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ithlann = barn, granary, threshing floor
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ithlann, ithla, ithland = threshing floor, barn, granary, storehouse, garden
Irish (Gaeilge)	iothlainn = stackyard, rickyard
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iothl(i)ann [jul̪ˠən̪ˠ/jul̪ɪn̪ʲ] = yard, farmyard enclosure
Manx (Gaelg)	uhllin = corn-yard, farmyard, haggard, rick-yard, stack-yard

Etymology: from Old Irish ith (corn, grain) and lann (building, house, land, plot) [source].

Other words for barn in Welsh include grawndy (barn, granary), grawnfa (barn, granary) and heiniardy (barn, granary).

Incidentally, the word barn means opinion, view, judgement or sentence in Welsh, to judge in Breton, and it means child in the Northern Germanic languages, such as Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Icelandic, and in dialects of English spoken in parts of northern England [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

Muddy Mires

15th February 2024 By Simon

Words for mud and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*latyos = moist
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lathach [dʲerɡ] = mud, mire
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lathach, laithech, lathaig = mire, puddle, quagmire, morass
Irish (Gaeilge)	lathach [ˈl̪ˠɑhəx / l̪ˠaiç] = mud, slush, slime
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lathach [l̪ˠa.əx] = mire, ooze, sludge, quicksand lathach-mhòine = peat-bog lathach sàile = saltmarsh lathachach [l̪ˠa.əxəx] = muddy, oozy, sludgy lathachail [l̪ˠa.əxal] = muddy, oozy, sludgy lathadh = besemearing, (be)numbing, heat (in cats)
Manx (Gaelg)	laagh = mire, mud laagh vog = sludge laaghagh = muddy, sludgy, slushy laaghan = muddy place, slough
Proto-Brythonic	*llėd = mud
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaid = mud, mire, dirt, clay, slime, ooze lleidyawc = muddy, clayey, miry, oozy, slimy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaid [ɬai̯d] = mud, mire, dirt, clay, slime, ooze, quagmire, quicksand, dregs lleidfa = muddy or clayey place lleidfysgaf, lleidfysgu = to, knead, work clay, bespatter with mud or dirt, bedraggle, bemire lleidiaf, lleidio = to turn into mud or clay, become sodden lleidiog = muddy, clayey, miry, oozy, slimy lleidiogaf, lleidiogi = to become muddy or miry lleidiogrwydd = muddiness, ooziness, turbidity lleidiol = full of mud, muddy, miry, clayey
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lued, luth, lyys, lys, lŷs = mud, mire, dirt, filth luedic = miry, filthy, stinking lyys haal = salt-marsh
Cornish (Kernewek)	leys [lɛɪz] = mud, slime leysek = mire
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lec’hid = slime, silt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lec’hid = slime, silt lec’hidadur = siltation lec’hidan, lec’hidañ = to silt up, become gelatinous, viscous lec’hideg = mudflat lec’hidus = muddy

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *lat- (damp, wet). Words from the same roots include latex in English, latãkas (chute, gutter, duct) in Lithuanian, and lag (to wet, moisten) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	láp = mud, mire, sin, vice
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láip [l͈aːb] = mud, mire, sin, vice
Irish (Gaeilge)	láib [l̪ˠɑːbʲ/l̪ˠæːbʲ] = mud, mire; to muddy, spatter caoch láibe = mole oitir láibe = mud-bank
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làb [l̪ˠaːb] = mire, mud, muddy puddle, day’s labour làbach [l̪ˠaːbəx] = marsh, swamp làbachas [l̪ˠaːbəxəs] = swampiness, bogginess làban [l̪ˠaːban] = mire, mud, muddy place, dirty work, drudgery, wet and muddy person làbanachadh [l̪ˠaːbanəxəɣ] = smearing, daubing, dirtying, wallowing, bedraggling, drenching làbrach [l̪ˠaːbarəx] = miry, muddy, dirty, dirty/unkempt person
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	loob = slime, sludge
Cornish (Kernewek)	loub = slime, sludge louba = to lubricate

Etymology: probably related to lathach [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷrīyess = clay
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cré [kʲrʲeː] = clay, earth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cré, cre = clay, earth créda, criadta, criata, creodae = clayey, earthen, fictile (pliable, moldable)
Irish (Gaeilge)	cré = clay, earth, dust créachadh = (act of) earthing, moulding créafóg = clay, earth crécholúr = clay pigeon cré-earra = earthenware créúil = clayey, earthy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	criadh [krʲiəɣ] = clay criadgadair [krʲia.ədɪrʲ] = potter criadhadaireachd [krʲia.ədɪrʲəxg] = pottery
Manx (Gaelg)	cray = ash, clay, pipe clay crayee = ceramic, earthen crayoil = clayey, earthy
Proto-Brythonic	*prið [ˈpriːð] = clay, mud, earth
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	prid, pridd = soil, earth, dust, ground, clay, mortar, plaster priddo = to cover with earth, bury pridell, priddell = clod, sod, dust, soil priddled, priddlyd = earthy, earthen, dirty, dusty,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pridd [priːð] = soil, earth, dust, ground, clay, mortar, plaster priddach = soil, earth, clay, earthenware pridd(i)af, pridd(i)o = to cover with earth, bury, plaster, daub priddawr = potter pridd-dom = dirt, mud, clay priddell = clod, sod, dust, soil, grave, potsherd, brick, tile priddfaen = brick, (earthenware) tile for making bricks priddl(l)yd = earthy, earthen, dirty, dusty, uncouth priddwr = mason, plasterer, burier
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pri, pry, prî = mould, earth, clay prian, prían = clayey ground
Cornish (Kernewek)	pri = clay, mud priek = clayey prien = clay ground priweyth = pottery priweythor, priweythores = potter priweythva = clay-works, pottery
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pri = clay, mudt
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pry = clay, mud
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pri [priː] = clay, mud, mortar priaj = ceramic prian, priañ = to coat with clay priasell = waste, quagmire priasellek = full of clay mud prieg = clayey, muddy

Etymology possibly from Proto-Indo-European *krey- (to siftm separate, divide). Words from the same roots include latex in English, latãkas (chute, gutter, duct) in Lithuanian, and lag (to wet, moisten) in Albanian [source].

Middle Breton (Brezonec)	fanc, fancq, fang, fank = mud, excrement
Breton (Brezhoneg)	fank [ˈfãŋk] = mud, excrement fankan, fankañ = to poop fankeg = muddy

Etymology from Norman fanque (mud) [source] from Old French fange (mud, addle, mire), from Vulgar Latin *fanga/*fangus (mud), possibly from Frankish, from Proto-Germanic *fanją (swamp, fen). The French words fange (filth, mire, debauchery) and fagne (marshland, fen), and the Catalan word fang (mud) come from the same roots [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaka, lacca, llacca = mud, sludge, mire, dirt, muck, puddle, filth, slome
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaca [ɬaka] = mud, sludge, mire, dirt, muck, puddle, filth, slime llaceilyd = muddy, miry, dirty

Etymology from Middle English lake/laca (lake, stream; ditch, drain, sewer), from Old French lac (lake) or Latin lacus (lake, basin, tank), to-Italic *lakus (lake), from Proto-Indo-European *lókus (pond, pool) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*lutā = dirt, mud
Gaulish	*lutos = swamp
Celtiberian	*lutā = swamp
Old Irish (Goídelc)	loth [ˈloθ] = mire, mud, swamp, marsh
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	loth, lath = mud, mire, quagmire, marsh
Irish (Gaeilge)	lodair = to cover with mud, muddy, to wallow in mire, grovel lodán = stagnant pool, puddle lodar = miry place, slough, soft, flabby person lodartha = muddy, slushy, slobby, soft, flabby, grovelling, abject, base, vulgar lodarthacht = muddiness, slushiness, softness, flabbiness, abjectness, baseness, vulgarity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lod [l̪ˠɔd] = pool, pond, marsh lodagan = small pool of water lodan = puddle, small pool, small marsh

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *lew- (dirt, mud) [source].

Lutetia, the Gallo-Roman town founded in 52 BC that became Paris, gets it’s name from the Gaulish word *lutos (swamp) [source]. It was known as Lutetia Parisiorum by the Romans.

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

Justly Right

29th December 2023 By Simon

Words meaning just, right and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kowwaris, komwīros = just, rightful, proper, fitting
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cóir = even, fitting, just, proper córae = justice córus = justice
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cóir, coair, coir = even, well-proportioned, straight, proper, correct, right, suitable, fitting, just córae, corae = correctness, propriety, justice, lawsuit, claim, right, proper, peace, amity, concord córus, corus = justness, rightness, proper arrangement, propriety, peace, agreement
Irish (Gaeilge)	cóir [koːɾʲ/kɔːɾʲ] = justice, equity, proper share, due, proper provision, accommodation, proper condition, proper equipment cóireáil = treatment, treat cóireanta = neat, tidy cóirigh = to arrange, dress, mend, repair cóiríocht = fitness, suitability, accommodation, equipment, fittings, furniture cóiriú = arrangement, dressing, repair cóiriúchán = arrangement, dressing éagóir = injustice, wrong, unfairness, inequity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	còir [kɔːrʲ] = right, justice, duty, obligation còireachadh [kɔːrʲəxəɣ] = (act of) arranging, arrangement còiread [kɔːrʲəd] = probity, goodness, kindness còrachadh [kɔːrəxəɣ] = arranging, arrangement
Manx (Gaelg)	cair = privilege, property, rights, duty, righteousness, due, right, just, good cair aascreeuee = copyright cair vie = bon voyage, favourable wind, god speed, pleasant journey cairagh = fair, impartial, just, proper, justifiable, justly cairal = right, righteous, upright, upstanding cairys = applicability, fairness, justice, right, uprightness cairysagh = right
Proto-Brythonic	*küwėr = complete
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	couer = fully-equipped, arrayed, furnished, complete, orderly, prepared, ready, correct
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyveir, kyweir, cyweir = proper order, fit state, repair, provision kyweyryau, kyỽeirir, kyweirio = to put in order, arrange, prepare, set to rights, repair, restore, equip kyweiriawdr = one who sets in order, one who promotes unity or harmony; repairer kyweirwr = repairer, restorer, amender
Welsh (Cymraeg	cywair [ˈkəwai̯r] = proper order, fit state, repair, provision, seasoning, state of mind, mood, humour, temper, condition, state, plight, key (in music), song, harmony, fully-equipped, arrayed, furnished, complete, orderly, prepared, ready, correct cyweiriaf, cyweirio = to put in order, arrange, prepare, set to rights, repair, restore, equip cyweiriawdr = one who sets in order, one who promotes unity or harmony; repairer cyweiriedig = arranged, set in order, preserved cyweir(i)wr = repairer, restorer, amender

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *kom- (with, together), from PIE *ḱóm (beside, near, by with), and PIE *wīros (true) [source]. Words from the same roots include word for true and related things in Celtic languages, and beware, guard, reward, ward and weir in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cert [kʲer͈t] = fitting, proper, right
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cert = correct, right, proper, fitting, fair, just, straight, even, exact, precise
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceart [caɾˠt̪ˠ/cæɾˠt̪ˠ] = right, just, proper, true, correct, true, real, good, excellent ceartaigh = to correct, rectify, amend, expound, mend ceartaiseach = insistent on one’s rights, self-righteous, dogmatic, conceited, priggish ceartaiseacht = self-righteousness, conceit, priggishness ceartaitheach = corrective, amending ceartaitheoir = corrector, rectifier, reformer, chastiser ceartas = justice, rights
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceart [kʲar̪ˠʃd = right, justice, propriety, righteousness, accurate, correct, proper, right ceartachadh [kʲar̪ˠʃdəxəɣ] = correcting, putting right, rectifying, correction ceartachair = corrector, rectifier, regulator ceartachd [kʲar̪ˠʃdəxg] = correctness ceartas = [kʲar̪ˠʃdəs] = justice, right, equity
Manx (Gaelg)	kiart = accurate, concession, correct, due, equity, even, exact, just, orthodox, precise, right kiartaghey = to accommodate, adjust, amend kiartys = accuracy, correctness, exactness kiartyn = rights
Proto-Brythonic	*kerθ = right, true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kerth = right(s), true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful kerthrwydd = integrity, justice, awfulness
Welsh (Cymraeg	certh [kɛrθ] = right(s), true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful, truth certhrwydd = integrity, justice, awfulness

Etymology: from Latin certus (certain, fixed), from Proto-Italic *kritos, from *krinō (to sift, separate, distinguish, discern), from PIE *krey- (to sift, separate, divide) [source]. Words from the same roots include certo (certain, sure, reliable) in Italian, cierto (true, certain, specific) in Spanish, and certain, crime, crisis, discreet and secret in English [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Order

1st November 20231st November 2023 By Simon

Words for order and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

Grave Ditches

11th February 202311th February 2023 By Simon

Words for graves, ditches and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*bodyom = grave, ditch
Celtiberian	arkato-bezom = silver mine (?)
Proto-Brythonic	*beð = grave
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bed, bet = grave, tomb medraud, uedraut, bedraud = burial-place, grave, sepluchre, cemetery
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bedd [beːð] = grave, tomb, gravestone, tombstone, interred beddaf, beddu, beddo = to bury bedd-dorrwr = gravedigger beddfa = grave, tomb, mausoleum beddfaen = gravestone, tombstone beddrod = tomb, vault, grave, cemetery
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bedh = grave bedhy = to bury
Cornish (Kernewek)	bedh = grave, tomb bedhros = graveyard bedhskrif = epitaph
Middle Breton	bez = tomb, tombstone
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bez = grave, tomb, sepulchre

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰedʰ- (to dig, burrow). Words from the same PIE root include fossa (ditch, trench, moat, fosse, grave) in Latin, and possibly bed in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	úag = grave
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úag, úaig = grave
Irish (Gaeilge)	uaigh [uəɟ/uə] = grave
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uaigh [uəj] = grave, tomb, sepluchre uaigh staoin = shallow grave uaigh-thrannsa = passage grave uaigheach = sepulchral, abounding in graves uaigheachd = (act of) burying, burial
Manx (Gaelg)	oaie, oaye = grave, pit, sepulchre

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	reillic = grave
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	reilic = burial place, relics (of saints) reilcech = containg cemeteries
Irish (Gaeilge)	reilig [ˈɾˠɛlʲɪɟ/ˈɾˠɛlʲɪc/ˈɾˠɨ̞lʲɪɟ] = graveyard, burial ground; relics reiligire = sexton, grave-digger reiligireacht = caring for churchyard, grave-digging
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	réilig, réileag [r̪ˠeːlɪgʲ] = burial place, ossuary, stone chest réilig-cloiche = ossuary, stone chest réiligeach = like a churchyard, having a churchyard
Manx (Gaelg)	ruillick, rhullick = burial ground, cemetery, graveyard, necropolis, churchyard ruillick fo-halloo = catacombs ruillick ny moght = paupers’ grave

Etymology: from the Latin rēliquiae (remains, relics, remnants, survivors), from relinquō (I abandon, relinquish, forsake, leave), from the Proto-Italic *wrelinkʷō, ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European *leykʷ (to leave) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include loan in English, лишать [lʲɪˈʂatʲ] (to deprive, rob, bereave) in Russian, and possibly dìleab (bequest, inheritance, legacy) in Scottish Gaelic [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Prison

9th December 20229th December 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for prisions and related things in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	carcar [ˈkarkar] = prison, captivity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	carcar = prison, captivity, bondage, strong-room
Irish (Gaeilge)	carcair [ˈkaɾˠkəɾʲ] = prison, place of confinement; stall, pen
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	carcair [karxgɛrʲ] = prison, coffer, sink, sewer, hermit’s cell
Manx (Gaelg)	carchyr = imprisonment, jail carchyragh = gaolbird, prisoner
Proto-Brythonic	*karxar = prison, jail
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	karchar, carchar, carcar = prison, gaol karcharaur, carcharawr = prisoner
Welsh (Cymraeg)	carchar [ˈkarχar] = prison, gaol, pen, stable, bond, fetter, band, chain, hobble, restriction, obstruction, impediment, constipation carcharbwll = dungeon, prison-pit carchardy = prison house, gaol carchardig = imprisoned, incarcerated, confined carchardigaeth = imprisonment, confinement carchargell = prison cell carchariad = imprisonment, confinement carchariad, carcharor = prisoner carcharu = to imprison, impound, confine, shackle, fetter, hobble, restrict, obstruct
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	carhar = jail, prison
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	carchar, charc’har, karc’har = prison, jail karc’hariañ = to imprison karc’hariadigezh = imprisonment
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karc’har = dungeon karc’harel = prison karc’hariañ = to imprison karc’hariadigezh = imprisonment

Etymology: from Latin carcer (prison, jail, jailbird, beginning, starting gate), from Proto-Italic *karkos (enclosure, barrier), from PIE *kr̥-kr̥- (circular), a reduplication of *(s)ker- (to turn, bend) [source].

Words from the same Latin root include incarcerate in English, carcere (jail, prison, imprisonment) in Italian, cárcere (jail, prison) in Portuguese, kerker (dungeon) in Dutch, and карцер (lockup, punishment cell, sweatbox) in Russian [source].

English words from the same PIE roots include circle, circus, corona, crisp, cross, crown and ring [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	prísún, brísún = prison prísúntacht = imprisonment
Irish (Gaeilge)	príosún [ˈpʲɾʲiːsˠuːn̪ˠ] = prison, imprisonment príosúnach = prisoner príosúnacht = imprisonment príosúnaigh = to imprison príosúnú = imprisonment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	prìosan [prʲiːsən] = prison, jail prìosanach = prisoner prìosanachadh = imprisoning, incarcerating
Manx (Gaelg)	pryssoon = brig, gaol, glasshouse, jail, lock-up, penitentiary, prison, clink pryssoonagh = captive, detainee, internee, prisoner pryssoonaght = detention, imprisonment, incarceration pryssooneyder = gaoler imprisoner
Cornish (Kernewek)	prison = gaol, jail, prison prisonya = to imprison, incarcerate prisonyans = imprisonment
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	prizon = prison, jail prizoniad = prisoner, detained prizoniadur, prizonierezh = imprisonment prizon(i)añ = to imprison prizon(i)er = prisoner
Breton (Brezhoneg)	prizon = prison, jail prizoniad = prisoner, detained prizoniañ = to imprison

Etymology: from the Middle English prisoun (prison, jail, dungeon), from the Anglo-Norman pris(o)un (prison, jail, dungeon), from the Old French prison (prison) from the Latin prehensiō (seizing, apprehending, arresting, capturing), from prehendō (to seize). The Breton probably comes directly from Old French [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

Rawness

21st July 202221st July 2022 By Simon

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

Raw

Proto-Celtic	*omos = raw
Old Irish (Goídelc)	om [oṽ] = raw, uncooked
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	om = raw, uncooked; crude, undigested, immature; rude, unrefined, barbarous
Irish (Gaeilge)	amh [ˈavˠ / ˈaw] = raw, uncooked amhábhar = raw material, staple aimhe = rawness, crudeness amhainse = sharpness, astuteness amhainseach = sharp, astute amhchaoin = rough, uncouth amhola = crude oil
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	amh [af] = raw, uncooked; extra rare, blue (meat); uncouth, crude amhachd [avəxg] = rawness
Manx (Gaelg)	aw = crude, raw, uncooked, undressed awid = crudeness, rawness, rareness awaneagh = moron, oaf; oafish, raw, rude, uncivilsed, vain feill aw = raw meat ooill aw = crude oil
Proto-Brythonic	*oβ̃ = raw
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	of = crude, uncooked, raw
Welsh (Cymraeg)	of [braːɨ̯n / brai̯n] = crude, untreated, uncooked, raw, bitter, sharp, nauseating, sickly ofaf, ofi = to decompose, crumble, analyse

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eh₃mós (raw, uncooked, bitter, sour), probably from *h₂eh₃- (to be hot, burn) [source].

Words for copper and bronze in Celtic languages possibly come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the word *omiyom [source].

The Greek word ὠμός [oˈmos] (raw, uncooked, crude, brutal) comes from the same PIE root [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cri = crude, uncooked, raw
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cri [kriː] = raw, fresh, new, crude, coarse, unfulled (cloth), unleavened bara cri = unleavened bread defnyddiau cri = raw materials teisen gri = griddle cake, Welsh cake
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	criv = rude, raw, green, newly made, unripe
Cornish (Kernewek)	kriv = crude, fresh, raw, uncooked, unripe krivder = rawness gossen griv = raw umber
Middle Breton	criz, cry = raw, crude, cruel, rough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kriz = raw, crude, cruel, rough gopr kriz = gross salary hollad kriz = gross total obar kriz = act of barbarism

Etymology: possibly from the Latin crūdus (raw, bloody), from the Proto-Italic *krūros (bloody), from the Proto-Indo-European *kruh₂rós (bloody), from *krewh₂- (raw meat, fresh blood). The English words crude and cruel come from the same Latin root, and raw comes from the same PIE root [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	amrwt = raw, uncooked
Welsh (Cymraeg)	amrwd [ˈamrʊd] = raw, uncooked, unprocessed, undigested, crude, untreated, unrefined, rough, approximate

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *an (un-) and *brutus (boiling heat), from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrewh₁- (to boil, brew) [source].

Other words from the Proto-Celtic root *brutus include brwd (eager, keen, passionate, zealous) and brwdfrydedd (enthusiasm) in Welsh, and bruth (heat, rash, eruption, nap, pile, surf) in Irish [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Bears

18th March 2020 By Simon

Words for bear in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*artos = bear
Noric	*𐌀𐌓𐌕𐌄(𐌁𐌖𐌈𐌆) (Arte(budz)) = bear(?)
Gaulish	*artio = bear
Old Irish (Goídelc)	art [ar͈t] = bear, hero, warrior
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	art [ar̪ˠʃd] = bear (archaic), hero
Proto-Brythonic	*arθ [arθ] = bear
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	arth [arθ] = bear
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arth [arθ] = bear, fierce or rough person
Cornish (Kernewek)	arth [ɒɹθ] = bear
Old Breton	ard / arth = bear
Breton (Brezhoneg)	arzh = bear

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ŕ̥tḱos (bear) [Source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ursa [ur̪ˠsə] = bear
Cornish (Kernewek)	ors = bear
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ourz = ourz

Etymology: possibly from the Latin ursa (she-bear), from ursus (bear), from the Proto-Italic *orssos (bear), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ŕ̥tḱos (bear) [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mathgamain [ˈmaθɣəṽənʲ] = bear
Irish (Gaeilge)	mathúin [ˈmˠahuːnʲ] = bear
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mathan [ˈmahan] = bear
Manx (Gaelg)	maghouin = bear

Etymology: from the Old Irish math (good) and gamuin (calf) [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

Books

11th November 201927th April 2023 By Simon

Words for book and related things in Celtic languages:

Old Irish (Goídelc)	lebor [ˈl͈ʲevor] = book lebrán = little book, booklet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lebar, lebor = book, volume, treatise, charter lebarda, lebur(da) = bookish, learned, lettered, of or belonging to books lebarach = of or belonging to books, written lebrán = little book, handbook, copy, transcript lebróir = (book) peddlar, merchant
Irish (Gaeilge)	leabhar [l̠ʲəuɾˠ / l̠ʲoːɾˠ] = book leabharbhách = bibliophile leabharbhoth = bookstall leabhareolaí = bibliographer leabharlann = library leabharlannaí = librarian leabharach = bookish leabharagán = bookcase leabharán = booklet leabharóg = libretto
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leabhar [l̪ʲo.ər] = book, volume, the Bible leabhar-lann = library leabhar-lannaiche = librarian leabhar-latha = diary, journal leabhar-pòcaid = pocketbook, wallet leabhar-chlàr = bibliography leabhar-d = e-book leabhar mór-eòlais = encyclopedia
Manx (Gaelg)	lioar = book, tome, volume, folio lioaran = booklet, brochure, pamphlet, tract lioaragh = bookish, lettered, studious, booklearned, well-read lioaraghan = bookcase lioarlagh = collection of books lioarlan(n) = library lioarlannee = librarian lioarvark = bookmark
Proto-Brythonic	*llɨβr = book
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llyvir, llyther, llyuyr, llyvyr = book, volume llyvran = small book, booklet, pamphlet llyfrbry, llyvrbryv = bookworm
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyfr [ɬɨ̞vr / ɬɪvr] = book, volume llyfraf, llyfro, llyfru = to book, enter in a book, record, register, enrol llyfran = small book, booklet, pamphlet llyfrbryf = bookworm llyfrdy = library, study, collection of books, bookshop llyfreugar = fond of books llyfrgar = bookish, studious llyfrgell = library, study, bookshop llyfrgellydd = librarian, book collector llyfrifwr = book-keeper llyfrnod = bookmark
Old Cornish	liuer = book
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	levar, liver, lyvyr = book levarva = library, bookcase
Cornish (Kernewek)	lyver, lever = book lyver dedhyow = calendar lyver kuntel = album lyver termyn = magazine, periodical lyverji = bookshop lyverva = library lyveras, lyverades = librarian lyvrik, lyvryn = booklet
Old Breton	libr = book
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	leffr, leur, leufr, levvr, levr = book levr-dourn = manual, handbook
Breton (Brezhoneg)	levr = book levr-dorn = manual, handbook levr-skrid = manuscript levraoua = to look for books levraoueg, levrdi = library levraouegour, levrdiour = librarian levraouek = full of books levraouer = bibliophile, book lover levraouerezh = bibliophilia

Etymology: from the Latin liber (book, the inner bark of a tree), from Proto-Italic *lufros, from the Proto-Indo-European *lubʰrós, from *lewbʰ- (to peel, cut off, harm). Words from the same roots include libel, library, leaf and lobby in English, and librairie (bookshop, tobacconist’s) in French [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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Proto-Italic

Honey Wine

Barn

Muddy Mires

Justly Right

Order

Grave Ditches

Prison

Rawness

Bears

Books