Category: Adjectives

Bark and Beehives

By Simon

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

Beehives

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.

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

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Calling Words

By Simon

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

words is various languages
Word cloud created with WordItOut

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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Ditches and Trenches

By Simon

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

irrigation_ditch

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)

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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

Headlands and Promontories

By Simon

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

Trá na nglór, Muckross

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.

Porth Penrhyn a Bae Hireal

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

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Islands

By Simon

Words for islands and related things in Celtic languages.

South Stack / Ynys Lawd

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

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Lakes and Ponds

By Simon

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

Llyn Idwal

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

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Circles

By Simon

Words for circle, ring and related words in Celtic languages.

There are three words for circle in Proto-Celtic: *kerk-injo-, *kerkinn- and *kuro-. They don’t appear to have descendents in modern Celtic languages.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Proto-Celtic *ānniyos = ring
Old Irish (Goídelc) áinne = ring
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) áinne, ánne = ring, circuit, anusm posterior
Irish (Gaeilge) fáinne [ˈfˠɑːɲə/ˈfˠæːn̠ʲə] = ring, circle, ringlet, curl, halo
fáinneach = annular, ring-like, ringed, ringleted, whorled, adorned, beautiful
fáinneadóir = ring-maker, dealer in rings
fáinneáil = (act of) circling, fluttering
fáinneán -= ampitheatre, circus
fáinneog = ringlet, curl
fáinneoir = person who rings animals
fáinnigh = to ring, encircle, dawn
fáinniú = encirclement, dawning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) fàinne [faːn̪ʲə] = ring, ringlet, circle
fàinneach [faːn̪ʲəx] = pertaining to or like a ring, ringed
fàinneachadh [faːn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) curling, ringing
fàinneag [faːn̪ʲag] = small ring, ringlet
Manx (Gaelg) fainey = circle, puck, whorl, wreathe, ring
fainnit = ringed

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁eh₂no- (ring). Cognate with the Latin ānus (ring, anus), and anus in English, French, Catalan and Romanian [source].

The English word phon(e)y (fraudulent, fake) possibly comes from the old slang word fawney (a gilt brass ring used by swindlers; a finger ring), from the Irish fáinne (ring) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) circul = circle, orbit, zone, hoop
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) circul = circle, orbit, zone, hoop
Irish (Gaeilge) ciorcal [ˈkiɾˠkəlˠ] = circle
ciorcalach = circular, cyclic
ciorcalaigh = to encircle, circle
ciorclán = circular (letter)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cearcall [kʲɛrxgl̪ˠ] = circle, cycle, ring (circus, etc), hoop
cearclach = circular, cyclic(al)
Manx (Gaelg) kiarkyl = ring, circle, rim, coterie
kiarklagh = cyclic(al), rotund, circulatory
kiarkylagh = circular
daachiarkyl = bicycle
Proto-Brythonic *kɨrxl [aˈbɛːr] = circle, ring
Old Welsh circhl = circle, ring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) kylch, kylc = circle, ring
Welsh (Cymraeg) cylch [kɨ̞lχ/kɪlχ] = circle, ring, compass, scope, range, circumference, environs, surroundsing, precints, zone, belt, hoop, social circle, orbit, revolution, period, cycle, halo
cylchai = halo
cylchaidd = circular, round(ish)
cylchig = circlet, small circle
cylch(i)ol = circular, orbital, surrounding, itinerant, periodic, cyclic
cylchu, cylch(i)af, cylcho = to hoop, rim (a wheel)
Cornish (Kernewek) kelgh, kylgh = circle, hoop, round, ring
kylghek = circular
kylghigow = hoop-la
kylghlavar = circumlocution
kylghvusur = perimeter
Middle Breton (Brezonec) kelc’h = circle, disc, halo
kelc’hdro = orbit
kelc’hennva = ampitheatre
kelc’hiad = circumference
kelc’hiek = circular
Breton (Brezhoneg) kelc’h = circle, halo
kelc’hiañ = to surround, define, figure out
kelc’hier = compass
kelc’htreiñ = to orbit
kelc’htro = orbit
kelc’htroel = orbital

Etymology: from the Latin circulus (circle), from circus (circle, ring, racecourse, circus), from the Ancient Greek κίρκος (kírkos – circle, ring) from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (to bend, turn) [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

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Victory

By Simon

Words for victory and related words in Celtic languages.

Boudica

Proto-Celtic *boudi = profit, gain, victory
*boudīkos = victorious
*Boudīkā = a female given name
Gaulish *boudi = profit, gain, victory
*Boudīkā = a female given name
Old Irish (Goídelc) búaid [buːa̯ðʲ] = benefit, gift, profit, quality, triumph, victory, virtue
búadach = gifted, triumphant, victorious
Irish (Gaeilge) bua [bˠuə] = victory, truimph; gift, talent; virtue merit; special quality
bua morálta = moral victory
ollbhua [ˈɔl̪ˠˌwuə] = landslide victory
buach = victorious
buachan = gain, victory
buaigh = to win, gain; defeat, overcome; succeed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) buaidh [buəj] = success, conquest, victory, consequence, effect, impact, influence, sway, mastery, predominance
buaidh-làrach = decisive victory
buaidh-chaithream = triumph, triumphant shout or song
buaidheach = victorious, effective
buadhach = victorious, effective, influential, talented, gifted
buadhalach = victorious, triumphant
diombuaidheach = unsuccessful, unlucky, defeatist
Buaidheach = Boudica (female given name)
Manx (Gaelg) booie = victorious, victory, triumph
Proto-Brythonic *bʉd = profit
*bʉðig = victorious
*Bʉðig = a female given name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) ysbud, bud, but = profit, gain, booty
butic / budic = victorious, truimphant, prosperous, successful, beneficial, generous, kind
Welsh (Cymraeg) budd [bɨːð / biːð] = profit, gain, booty, riches, wealt, blessing, favour, advantage, emolument, benefit, usefulness
buddfawr = bearing much booty or spoils, profitable, beneficial
buddfawredd = generosity, gain
buddgar = conferring blessings, beneficial, generous, covetous
buddged = benefit, adventage, gain, gift, reward
buddio = to profit, succeed, prosper, benefit
buddig / buddug = victorious, truimphant, prosperous, successful, beneficial, generous, kind
Buddug = Boudica (female given name)
buddugaf, buddugo = to triumph, gain a victory, conquer
buddugiol = victorious, conquering, triumphant, mighty, successful
buddugioliaeth = victory, conquest, supremacy, precedence, glory, triumph, exulation, jubliation
Cornish (Kernewek) budh = profit
budhek = victorious
Old Breton bud = profit
Breton (Brezhoneg) buz = profit
Budic = Boudica (female given name)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰówdʰi (victory) [source]. The English word booty possibly comes from the same Gaulish root, via Old French and Middle Low German [source].

The name Boudica (the Queen of the Iceni who led an uprising against the Romans in 60/61 AD) comes from the Latin Boudicca / Boadicea, from the Gaulish *Boudīkā [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

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Battle

By Simon

Words for battle and related things in Celtic languages.

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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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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

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Wool

By Simon

Words for wool and related words in Celtic languages.

Glorious wool

Proto-Celtic *ulanā, *wlanā, *w(u)lāno-, *w(u)lano- = wool
Gaulish *wlanā = wool
Old Irish (Goídelc) olann [ˈolan͈] = wool
ollach = woolly
Irish (Gaeilge) olann [ˈɔlˠən̪ˠ] = wool, woolly hair, mop of hair; woollen
olanda = woolly
olannacht = woolliness
olanntáirgeach = wool-bearing
ollach = woolly, fleecy
ollacht = woolliness, fleeciness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) olann [ˈɔl̪ˠən̪ˠ] = wool (usually while on sheep)
ola = woollen, made of wool
olach = woolly, fleecy
Manx (Gaelg) ollan = wool
ollanagh, olley = woolly
ollanaght = woolliness
Proto-Brythonic *gwlan [ˈɡwlaːn] = wool
Old Welsh gulan = wool
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gluan, gwlan = wool
Welsh (Cymraeg) gwlân [ɡwlaːn] = wool, down, soft hair, grass, herbage; woollen, soft, made of wool
gwlana = to gather wool, beg or solicit wool
gwlanen = flannel, face-cloth; man of weak character, spineless person, unreliable person
gwlanendra = softness, lack of backbone
gwlanenêd = flannelette
gwlanel = flannel
gwlanennaidd, gwlanennog = flannelly, flannel-like, soft; weak-willed, without backbone, spineless (person), unreliable
gwlanennu = to provide with woollen clothing
gwlanennwr, gwlanennydd = flannel-maker, woollen-manufacturer, flannel-merchant, woollen-draper
gwlanog = woollen
Old Cornish gluan = wool
Middle Cornish glan, glawn = wool
Cornish (Kernewek) gwlan = wool
gwlanek = woollen, woolly
Middle Breton glan, gloan = wool
Breton (Brezhoneg) gloan = wool
gloanaj, gloanenn = woollen garment / material
gloanegenn = cozy, soft, snug
gloanell = cotten

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂wĺ̥h₁neh₂ (wool). The English word flannel comes ultimately from the Gaulish *wlanā, via Old French and Norman [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