Burdensome Loads

5th February 20235th February 2023 By Simon

Words for loads, burdens and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*baskis = bundle, load
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	basc = circular necklet or neckband
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	basc = round, red, scarlet (archaic)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	beich = burden, load
Welsh (Cymraeg)	baich [bai̯χ] = burden, heavy load, labour, duty, sin, sorrow, woe, responsibility, a load, a dry measure baich gwaith = workload beichiaf, beichio = to burden, load, weigh (down), overwhelm, encumber beichiedig = burdened, laden beichiog = pregnant, expectant, burdened, laden, fertile, prolific, teeming beichiogaeth = pregnancy beichiogaf, beichiogi = to become pregnant, impregnate, conceive beichiogi = pregnancy, conception, feture, childbirth, delivery (of child)
Cornish (Kernewek)	begh = burden, load begh-ober = workload beghus = burdensome, onerous beghya = to burden, impose upon, overload
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bec’h = burden bec’hiet = loaded, charged, full bec’h(i)us = heavy, overwhelming, oppressive bec’h-bec’h = with great difficulty bec’hiadurezh = oppression
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bec’h = difficulty, effort bec’hiad = load, charge, responsibility, burden bec’hadenn = physical effort bec’hded = saturation

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰask- (bundle, band), or from a non-Indo-European source. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include bascauda (woven mat or vessel to hold basketwork) in Late Latin, bâche (tarpaulin, canvas sheet, cover) in French, vascullo (broom, bundle of straw) in Galician, basket in English, فَشْقَار (fašqār – a heap of sheaves) in Arabic (via Aragonese or Galician) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include fascis (bundle, burden, load, high office) in Latin, and possibly bast (fibre made from certain plants used for matting and cord) in English, bast (bast, raffia) in Danish, bast (inner bark, velvet, skin, hide) in Dutch, and bashkë (together, simultaneously) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	aire = load, burden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aire, oire, ere = load, burden
Irish (Gaeilge)	eire = load, burden eireadóir = encumbrancer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eire [erʲə] = burden, load eireach [erʲəx] = burdensome, heavy
Manx (Gaelg)	errey = burden, impost, imposition, load thie errey = infirmary
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	areu = burden, sorrow, grief
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arau = burden, sorrow, grief

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	úalach = burden, load, duty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úalach = burden, charge, load, duty, obligation
Irish (Gaeilge)	ualach = load, burden ualaigh = to load, burden, encumber
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uallach = round, red, scarlet (archaic)

Etymology: possibly from uala (shoulder), a version of guala (shoulder), from Middle Irish gúala (shoulder), from Old Irish gúalu (shoulder), from Proto-Indo-European *gew (to bend, curve) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include giro and gyre (a swirling vortex) in English, giro (turn, twist, rotation) in Italian, and giro (turn, spin, tour) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Region and Country

25th January 202325th January 2023 By Simon

Words for region, country and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*mrogis = border(land), march, mark; region, country, territory, province
Gaulish	*brogis = border(land) (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mruig [mruɣʲ] = cultivated land; march, borderland, country, territory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bruig = land, cultivated land, holding, region, district, border, (farm)house, abode, hall, mansion, castle
Irish (Gaeilge)	brugh = dwelling, mansion brughaidh = landowner, hosteler
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brugh [bruh] = broch, fortified tower, large house, mansion, fairy mound, underground house brughadair [bru.ədɪrʲ] = broch dweller, fairy mound dweller, elf brughaire [bru.ɪrʲə] = inhabitant of a fairy mound
Manx (Gaelg)	brogh = broch
Proto-Brythonic	*broɣ [ˈbroːɣ] = country, region, territory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bro = region, country, land
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bro [broː] = region, country, land, neighbourhood, native haunt; border, limit, boundary, march; vale, lowland broaidd = pleasant like a vale
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bro = country, region, land, territory, coast
Cornish (Kernewek)	bro = country, land
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bro = country, nation, region broa = to return to the country broad = inhabitants, compatriots broadel = national Bro-C’hall = France Bro-Gernev = Cornwall Bro-Saoz = England Bro-Skos = Scotland
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bro = counry(-side) broadadur = naturalization broadeladur = nationalisation broadelañ = to naturalize (a person) Bro-C’hall = France Bro-Saoz = England Bro-Skos = Scotland

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *morǵ- (frontier, border). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish and Latin, include brolo (vegetable garden, orchard, grove) in Italian, and breuil (wood, copse, coppice) in French [source].

Words from the same PIE root include margin, mark (boundary, border, frontier) and march (a border region) in English, and marge (margin, markup) in French, margine (margin, border, edge) in Italian, and margen (margin, edge, leeway) in Spanish [source], Mark (a fortified border area, marches) in German, mark (field) in Danish, and marg (march, boundary) in Irish (via Old Norse) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Scotland

17th January 202322nd February 2023 By Simon

Words for Scotland and related things in Celtic languages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Taking Hold

10th January 202311th November 2023 By Simon

Words for to take, hold and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	gabyeti = to grab, seize, take, hold gabaglā = taking *atigabaglā = distraint (the legal right of a landlord to seize the property of a tenant in the event of nonpayment of rent)
Celtiberian	kabizeti = (?)
Gaulish	gabi- = to give (?) gabali = taking, seizure
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gaibid [ˈɡavʲiðʲ] = to hold, grasp, take, seize, capture, gain (victory), put on (clothing), recite, declare gabál = taking argaib [arˈɡavʲ] = to seize, capture athgabáil = recovery congaibid [konˈɡavʲ] = to contain, preserve, keep, uphold conocaibid [konˈhoɡəvʲ] = to raise, rise, uplift, exalt, extol fogaibid [foˈɡavʲ] = to find, discover, get, gain, obtain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gaibid = to hold, grasp, take, seize, capture, gain (victory), put on (clothing), recite, declare gabáil = taking athgabáil = the process of recovery of debts, etc. by distraint, plunder, booty aurgaibid = to seize, capture congmaid = to contain, preserve, keep, uphold
Irish (Gaeilge)	gabh [ɡavʲ/ɡo(ː)] = to take, arrest, go, come gabháil = taking aisghabh = to retake, recover possession of athghabháil = recapture, recovery, re-engagement gabh mo leithscéal = excuse me urghabh = to seize, capture
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gabh [gav] = take, go, recite, break (in) ath-ghabh = retake, recover, regain, impound gabh mo lethsgeul = excuse me, pardon gabhail [gahal] = taking, lease, tenure, conquest
Manx (Gaelg)	gow = to take gow my leshtal = excuse me, sorry, I beg your pardon goaill = acceptance, affect, apprehend, apprehension, arrest, capture, catch, contraction, engage, seizure, receive, take aaghoaill = to recapture, reconquer, re-engage, retake
Proto-Brythonic	gabal- = breadth, side gavaɣl = to hold, grasp
Old Welsh	gabael = to hold, grasp, grip
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	gauayleu, gauael = to hold, grasp, grip gauaelant, gauaelu, gavailio = to hold tight, take hold, clutch adauael, adafael = distraint (in law), distress, pledge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gafael [ˈɡavaɨ̯l/ˈɡaːvai̯l] = to hold, grasp, grip gafaeladwy = available gafaelaf, gafaelio = to hold tight, take hold, clutch, grip, arrest, grapple, snatch, seize gafaeliad = a holding, hold, grasp, capture, attachment, comprehension, adherence, spasm adafael = distraint (in law), distress, pledge
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gaval = to hold, lay hold of, grasp, have gavel = a hold, a grasp
Cornish (Kernewek)	gavel = capacity, grasp
Old Breton	gabael = to hold (?) adgabael = to recover (?)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʰeh₁bʰ- (to grab, take) [source].

The Spanish word gavilla (sheaf, gang, band) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Late Latin gabella and the Gaulish *gabali (taking, seizure) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include able, debt, debit, doubt and habit in English, avere (to have) in Italian, avoir (to have) in French, and haber (to hold, possess) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Halves and Sides

7th January 20237th January 2023 By Simon

Words for half, side and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	letos = side ɸletos = breadth, side
Primitive Irish	ᚂᚓᚈᚐᚄ / letas = half, direction, side
Old Irish (Goídelc)	leth [l͈ʲeθ] = half, direction, side
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	leth = half, side
Irish (Gaeilge)	leath [lʲah/lʲæx/l̠ʲæ] = side, part, direction; half, part, portion leathach = divided in two, two-part leithead = breadth, width leathadh = spreading, spread, diffusion, scattering, broadcasting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leth [l̪ʲeh] = half, side, share leth-ghlic = half-witted leth-leanabh = twin leth-oireachas = separation, partiality, isolationism, favouritism leisgeul = excuse, apology, pretext (from leth and sgeul [story])
Manx (Gaelg)	lieh = part, half, behalf, makeshift lieh fuinnit = half-baked lieh henn = middle aged
Proto-Brythonic	*lled = breadth, side
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	let, llet, led = year (of age)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lled [ɬeːd] = breadth, width, beam (of boat), latitude, amplitude, extent, diameter, thickness; half, part(ly), fairly, moderately lleda(e)naf, lleda(e)nu = to spread out, scatter abroad, disseminate lladaf, lledu = to became broad(er) / wide(r), broaden, open out, expand, become widespread lleden = flat-fish, flat or sprawling (person/thing), flattish mass, blade, fluke
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	les = breadth, width, latitude
Cornish (Kernewek)	les = breadth, width lesa = to expand, spread lesans = expansion, spread
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	led = width, wideness, breadth; horizontally ledan = wide, large, broad, vast, big ledañ, lediñ, ledek = to stretch out, extend, spread (out) ledanaat = to widen, broaden, stretch
Breton (Brezhoneg)	led = wide, large, broad, spreading a-led = horizontal ledan = vast, wide ledañ = to spread, generalize ledanded = width, breadth

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pléth₂-os (breadth), from *pleth₂- (broad, flat) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include field, flan, flat and fold (a pen for animals) in English, flat in English, and πλατεία (plateía – town square) in Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	*santeros = middle, half
Proto-Brythonic	*hanter = half
Old Welsh	hanther = half
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	hanner, hanher = half, middle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hanner [ˈhanɛr/ˈhanar] = half, middle, midday, midnight, side, part hanner-cylchynol = semicircular hanner dydd = midday, noon hanner nos = midnight
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hanter = half, a moiety hanter dŷdh = midday hanter nôs = midnight
Cornish (Kernewek)	hanter = half hantera = to halve hanterdydh = midday, noon hantergylgh = hemisphere hanterkans = fifty hanter-mis = fortnight, two weeks hanter-nos = midnight hanter-our = half-hour hanter-pennwari = semi-final hanter termyn = half time
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hanter = half hanterañ, hanteriñ = to halve, cut in half hanter-kant = fifty hanter-war-hanter = neck and neck, tied
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hanter [ˈhɑ̃n.tɛʁ] = half hanter dro = u-turn hanterad = mediator hanterenn = half time hanternoz = midnight

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *sm̥teros (one of the two), from *sem- (one) and *-teros (contrastive suffix) [source]. Other words from the PIE root *sem- (one) include: same, seem, semi, similar and single 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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Magic and Spells

22nd December 202210th June 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for magic, spells, charms, prayers and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*brixtā = spell, magical formula, incantation
Celtiberian	*bruxtia
Gaulish	brixtia
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bricht = charm, spell, incantation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bricht = incanation, charm, magic spell
Irish (Gaeilge)	briocht = charm, spell, amulet briocht sí = fairy charm briocht a chanadh = to chant a spell briocht draíochta = magic spell
Proto-Brythonic	*briθ [ˈbriːθ] = charm, incantation
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lleturith, lledrith, ledryth = magic, spell, charm, enchantment llethrithawc, lledrithyawc, lleturithawc = magic, magical, enchanted
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lled(f)rith = magic, spell, charm, enchantment; apparition, spectre, phantom; illusion, delusion, fantasy, imagination lledrithaid = pretence, dissembling, deception lledrithiaf, lledrithio = to counterfeit, fake, pretend, simulate lledrithiog = magic, magical, enchanted
Old Breton	brith = charm, incantation (?)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bre = incantation, magic

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰerHǵ- (enlighten). Words that probably come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Celtiberian *bruxtia, include bruja (witch, crone, hag, owl) in Spanish, bruxa (witch, hex) in Galician, bruxa (witch) in Portuguese, and bruixa (witch) in Catalan [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	druídecht, draídecht = magic, wizardry, secret lore and arts of the druids
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	druídecht, draídecht, dráoidheachd = secret lore and arts of the druids, occult science, wizardry
Irish (Gaeilge)	dríocht [ˈd̪ˠɾˠihaxt̪ˠə] = druidic art, druidism, witchcraft, magic, charm, enchantment draíochtach = magical, bewitching, entrancing draíochtúil = magic, magical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	draoidheachd [drɯjəxg] = magic, socery, druidism eun-draoidheachd = augury slat-draoidheachd = magic wand/td>
Manx (Gaelg)	druaight = charm, druid druaightagh = charmer, charming, druid, magician, occult druaightys = charming, druid, druidism, magic fo druaight = charmed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	derwyddiaeth [dɛrˈwəðjaɨ̯θ/dɛrˈwəðjai̯θ] = druidism, the druid cult
Cornish (Kerneweg)	drewydhieth = druidism
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drouizelezh / drouiziezh = druidism

Etymology: these words come from the same roots as words for druid.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ortha = prayer, incantation, spell, charm oráit = prayer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ortha, órtha = prayer, incantation, spell, charm orthanach = of prayers, wont to pray oróit, oráit, oráid, oraoid = prayer, speech, oration anoráit, anóráid = curse
Irish (Gaeilge)	ortha = incantation, spell, charm, prayer im ortha = unsalted butter used in charm-cure óráid = oration, speech, address óráideach = oratorical, declamatory. óráidí = orator, speech-maker óráidíocht = oratory, speech-making
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ortha [ɔr̪ˠə] = incantation, (magical) prayer, amulet ortha-bhàis = death incantation ortha-ghràidh = love amulet / charm òraid [ɔːrɪdʲ] = address, speech, lecture, talk òraidiche [ɔːrɪdʲɪçə] = lecturer, orator, speechmaker òraidearachd = oratory talla-òraid = lecture hall / theatre
Manx (Gaelg)	oraid = address, oration, speech oraatagh = orator, speaker, oratorial oraataght = oration
Proto-Brythonic	*arọd = prayer, oration
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	araut = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	araỽd, arawt, araỽt, arawd = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arawd = speech, language, eloquence, address, oration, utterance, report, eulogy, prayer arawduriaeth = oratory, rhetoric
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	areth = speech, oration
Cornish (Kerneweg)	areth = lecture, oration, speech arethek = rhetorical arethor, arethores = lecturer, orator, speaker arethva = platform arethya = to lecture

Etymology: from Latin ōrātiō (speech, discourse, language, oration), from ōrō (to speak as an orator, plead, pray) from Latin ōs, ōris (mouth), or from Proto-Indo-European *h₂er- (to pronounce a ritual) [source].

The words for prayer and oration come from this Latin root, and the words for charm and incantation may do as well [source]. The Brythonic words come via Vulgar Latin *arātiō [source].

Words from the same roots include oration in English, oración (oration, sentence, clause, prayer) in Spanish, and oratorio (oratory, oratorio, oratorical, solemn) in Italian.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sén = blessing, charm, incantation, omen, prosperity, sign, snare sénaid = to bless, charm (with spell), deny, reject, repudiate, sign
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sén, seon, seún, sena, séna = sign, omen, augury, portent, incantation, charm, blessing, good luck, prosperity, happiness sénaid, seanaidh = to mark with a sign, bless, put a spell on, put a charm on
Irish (Gaeilge)	séan [ʃeːnˠ] = sign, omen, good luck, prosperity; to mark with a sign, to bless séanaire = diviner, augur séanaireacht = divination, augury
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seun [ʃiən] = charm, magic invocation, protective spell seunach [ʃiənəx] = charming, enchanting, charm-like seunadair [ʃiənədɪrʲ] = enchanter seunadaireachd [ʃiənədɪrʲəxg] = conjuring, enchanting seunail [ʃiənal] = charmed, magical, happy, prosperous seunmhorachd [ʃiənvərəxg] = magical power(s) seunta [ʃiən̪ˠdə] = charmed, enchanted seuntachan [ʃiəndəxan] = charm, enchantment
Manx (Gaelg)	sheean = charm, fortune
Proto-Brythonic	*suɨɣn = spell, incantation (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	swyn, suen, = spell, incantation, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, remedy, charm swyno, suyno = to charm, fascinate, allure, cast a spell (on), bewitch swynedig, sỽynedic, swynedic = charmed, fascinated, charming, bewitched, blessed, happy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	swyn [suːɨ̯n / sʊi̯n] = spell, incantation, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, remedy, charm swyn(i)o = to charm, fascinate, allure, cast a spell (on), bewitch, divine, bless, protect swynaidd = charming, enchanting swynedig = charmed, fascinated, charming, bewitched, blessed, happy swynwr, swynydd = sorcerer, magician, bewitcher, soothsayer swynyddiaeth = sorcery, witchcraft, magic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	sona, sone = to bless, hallow, sanctify, consecrate, charm zona = to charm, hallow
Cornish (Kerneweg)	sona = to bless, charm sonell = charm
Breton (Brezhoneg)	saouzan = disorientation, bewilderment, stupor, hypnosis saouzanan, saouzanañ = to disorientate, hypnotise, go astray, misplace saouzanidigezh = hypnotism saouzanus = hypnotic

Etymology: from Latin signum (sign, mark, signal, miracle), from Proto-Italic *seknom (sign, statue), from Proto-Indo-European *sek- (to cut) or *sekʷ- (to follow). [source].

Words from the same roots include sign and signal in English, seña (sign, indication, gesture) and sino (destiny, fate, lot) in Spanish, and Segen (blessing) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	soitos. soyto- = magic
Proto-Brythonic	hʉd = magic, charm hʉdol* = charming, illusory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hut, hud = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft hûdadwy, hydadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hud [hɨːd/hiːd] = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft, spell, enchantment, charm, fascination, allurement, persuasion hudadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible hudaf, hudo = to fashion or produce by magic, conjure, cast a spell upon, enchant, charm, entice, allure, persuade, seduce, beguile hudaidd = alluring, charming, seductive hudol = charming, enchanting, enticing, alluring, illusory, deceptive, deceitful
Old Cornish	hudol = charming, illusory
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huder = a deceiver, hypocritic, juggler, sorcerer hudol = sorcerer
Cornish (Kerneweg)	hus = charm, enchantment, illusion, magic, sorcery, spell husa = to charm, create an illusion, enchant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hud = magic hudek, hudel = magic, magical hudiñ = to charm, enchant, bewitch, delight hudour = magician, wizard hudouriezh = magic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hud = magic hudek = magic, magical hudour = magician, wizard

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-Etymology *sh₂oy-tó-s (magic), from *sh₂ey (to bind, fetter) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include seiður (magic, witchcraft, sorcery) in Icelandic, sejd (sorcery, witchcraft, magic potion) in Swedish, and seid (magic) in Norwegian [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	pis(e)óc = charm, spell, sorcery, witchcraft
Irish (Gaeilge)	piseog = charm, spell, superstition piseogach = practising charms or spells, superstitious piseogacht = superstitious practices piseogaí = charm-setter, superstitious person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pisreag [ʃiən] = charm, spell, ensorcellment, sorcery, superstition
Manx (Gaelg)	pishag = charm, incantation, spell, witchcraft pishagagh = incantatory, magical, sorcerer, superstitious pishagys = enchantment, magic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pystyc = witchery, magic, sorcery pystry = witchcraft, magic, sorcery
Cornish (Kerneweg)	pystri = magic, sorcery pystrier = sorcerer, warlock, wizard pystriores = sorcereress

Etymology: probably from Latin pyxis (a small box, for holding medicines or toiletries), from Ancient Greek πυξίς (puxís – box, tablet, cylinder), from πῠ́ξος (púxos – boxwood) [source]. The Hibero-English word piseog (an evil spell, curse) comes from the same roots, via Irish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	airnigde [ˈar͈ʲn͈ʲiɣʲðʲe] = prayer, praying ar·neget = to pray
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	airnigde, airnaigde, airna(i)gthe, urnaidhi, urnaith = praying, prayer airnaigid, ernaigit = to pray airnaigthech, ernaigtech, urnaigtheach = prayerful, devout
Irish (Gaeilge)	urnaí [uːɾˠˈn̪ˠiː / ˈʌɾˠn̪ˠi] = praying, prayer urnaitheach = prayful, devout
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ùrnaigh [ur̪ˠn̪ʲɪ] = praying, prayer ùrnaigheach [ur̪ˠn̪ʲijəx] = pertaining to or abounding in prayers
Manx (Gaelg)	yeearree = prayer, request, urge, wish, desire, aspiration; to solicit, importune yeearreeagh = wistful, soliciting, yearning

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	paitir, paidear = the Lord’s Prayer, paternoster
Irish (Gaeilge)	paidir [ˈpˠɑdʲəɾʲ / ˈpˠædʲəɾʲ] = Paternoster, prayer An Phaidir, Paidir an Tiarna = the Lord’s Prayer paidreoireacht = praying paidrín = Rosary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	paidir [padʲɪrʲ] = the Lord’s Prayer, Pater Noster, rosary
Manx (Gaelg)	padjer [ˈpaːʒər] = prayer, devotion Padjer y Çhiarn = the Lord’s Prayer goaill padjer = to pray, prayer

Etymology: from Latin pater (father), the first word of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin (Pater noster) [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

Speckled and Spotted

16th December 20225th October 2023 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for speckled, spotted and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*brikkos = speckled, spotted
Gaulish	*brikkos
Old Irish (Goídelc)	brecc [bʲrʲek] = checked, flecked, speckled, spotted, variegated brecht = variegated brechtnaigthe = variegated
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brecc, breac, brec = speckled, spotted, variegated, patterned, ornamented, dappled brecht = variegated, varied, various brecht(g)na = many-hued
Irish (Gaeilge)	breac [bʲɾʲak] = speckled, dappled, indifferent breacachan = variegation breachadh = speckling, dappling; variegation, scribbling writing, lightening (of colour) breacaimsir = middling, fair but unsettled weather breacaire = carver, engraver, engraving tool, scribbler breacaireacht = variegation, chequering, carving, engraving, scribbling, doodling breacán = tartan, plaid
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	breac [brʲɛxg] = speckled, spotted, spotty, dappled, variegated breacadh = speckling, spotting, chequering, sprinkling, scattering breacanach = pertaining to tartan, plaided breacaichte = spotted, stippled breac-seun = freckle Breac a’ Mhuilinn = The Milky Way
Manx (Gaelg)	breck = brindle, dapple-grey, medley, piebald, pied, speckle, spot, spotty, tartan, chequered, spotted, variegated breck greiney = freckle breck kiark = chickenpox breckag = fleck of colour breckan = brindle, medley, colour, plaid, tartan breckanagh = tartan breckey = brindle, chequering, dapple, freckle, mottle
Proto-Brythonic	*brɨx = speckled, spotted
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brych, brech = mottled, spotted, speckled
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brych, brech = mottled, spotted, brindled brychy = to dapple, mottle brychau, brychav, brychæ = spots, marks, stains brychedic, bryçedig = mottled, brindled, speckled, spotted
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brych [brɨːχ/briːχ] = mottled, spotted, brindled, variegated, stained, defiled, freckled, spot, mark, blemish, stain, afterbirth, placenta brychaf, brychu = to dapple, mottle, mark, stain, sully brychau = spots, marks, stains brych(i)edig = mottled, brindled, speckled, spotted brech [brɛχ] = rash, pox, inoculation, vaccination, cowpox brechaf, brechu, brecho = to vaccinate, innoculate brechedig = vaccinated, vaccinee brechiad = vaccination, inoculation, injection brechlyn = vaccine
Cornish (Kernewek)	brygh = pox, smallpox, spot brygh rudh = measles brygh yar = chickenpox bryghlin = vaccine bryghlina = to vaccinate bryghlinans = vaccination
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	brech, bræch = smallpox, vaccine, sheep pox brahaing, brehain, brec’hagn = sterile
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brec’h [ˈbrɛːx] = smallpox, vaccine brec’hidigezh = vaccination brec’h-den = smallpox, vaccine brec’h-nij = chickenpox brec’h-zu = thyphus

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *perḱ- (motley, coloured, spotted) source]. Words for trout in Celtic languages are probably related.

Words from the same PIE root include perch in English, färg (colour) in Swedish, väri (colour) in Finnish, Farbe (colour, paint, dye) in German, and barva (colour, paint, ink) in Czech [source].

Proto-Celtic	ɸerkos, ferko- = perch, speckled
Old Irish (Goídelc)	erc = speckled, spotted, cow, salmon
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	erc = speckled, dark red, trout, salmon, a spotted or red-eared cow
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	earc [ɛr̪ˠxg] = speckled, spotted, striped, dark/blood red
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	erch = mottled, speckled, dappled, dun, bay, dusky, dark
Welsh (Cymraeg)	erch [ɛrχ] = mottled, speckled, dappled, dun, bay, dusky, dark erchlas = dapple-grey (of horse), dark blue colour erchyll = horrible, hideous, ghastly, dire, terrible, dreadful, awful, frightful

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *perḱ- (motley, coloured, spotted) source].

Proto-Celtic	*mrixtos = painted, speckled
Proto-Brythonic	*briθ [ˈbriːθ] = painted, speckled, variegated
Old Welsh	brith = variegated, coloured
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brith, breith, braith = variegated, coloured
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brith [briːθ] = variegated, coloured, chequered, mottled, pied, spotted, speckled, brindled, grey; numerous, abundant brith(i)af, brith(i)o = to colour, variegate, speckle, dapple, adorn, embroider, to turn grey (hair), to curdle, blot brithder = spottedness, speckledness, gaudiness britheg [ˈbriθɛɡ] = snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) brithyll = (brown) trout bara brith = bara brith (Welsh current loaf, lit. “speckled bread”)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	brith = streaked, motley, variegated, parti-coloured, pied, speckled brithel, breithil = mackerel
Cornish (Kernewek)	brith = streaked, striped, tartan britha = to dapple, mottle, streak brithednek = freckled brithel = mackerel brithen = freckle brithennek = freckled; fallow deer brithki = mongrel brithlen = tapestry brithweyth = mosaic brithys = dappled, mottled, spotted
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bris, brih, breh, briz = colourful, stained, dirty, piebald brizadur = speckles, freckles
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brizh = colourful, stained, piebald brizhadenn = freckle brizhellet = dappled, flecked

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European word *mr̥gʷ-tó-s, from *mergʷ- (dark, coloured) [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

Boots and Shoes

3rd December 20223rd December 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for boots, shoes and related things in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	bróc(c) [broːɡ] = shoe, sandal, greave; (in plural) greaces, leggings, hose, breeches
Irish (Gaeilge)	bróg [bˠɾˠoːɡ/bˠɾˠɔːɡ] = boot, shoe bróg ard = boot bróg iseal = shoe bróg adhmaid/mhaide = clog brógchrann = boot-tree
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bròg [brɔːg] = shoe, boot, hoof brògair [brɔːgɪrʲ] = shoemaker, cobbler brògach [brɔxgəx] = abounding in shoes, shod, strong-hoofed, animal with “socks” bròg-fhiodha = clog, wooden shoe brògan put = football boots bròg-eich = horseshoe bròg-spéilidh = ice skate bròg na cuthaige = bluebell, wild hyacinth (“shoe of the cuckoo”) cho sona ri bròg = as happy as Larry (“as happy as a shoe”)
Manx (Gaelg)	braag = brogue, shoe braagit = shod braag lheiltys = gym shoe braag shliawin = ice skate braag vaidjagh = clog
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brog = brogue brog Gwyddelig = Irish brogue

Etymology: from the Old Norse brók (trousers, breeches) or the Old English brōc (underpants), both of which come from the Proto-Germanic *brōks (rear end, rump, leggings, pants, trousers), from the PIE *bʰreg- (to break, crack, split) [source].

The English word brogue was borrowed from Irish and refers to a type of shoe, or a strong accent, particularly a strong Irish accent when speaking English, although it originally referred to Irish spoken with a strong English accent, or a heavy shoe of untanned leather.

Brogue in the sense of accent might come from the Irish word barróg (hug, wrestling grip, brogue, impediment of speech) [source], which comes from the Old Irish barróc (fast hold, tight grip, embrace, gripe, stitch) [source],

Proto-Celtic	*fesskūtā = (leather) boot, shoe
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eskyd, eskit, escid = boot, buskin, shoe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	esgid [ˈɛskɪd] = boot, buskin, shoe esgidiaf, esgidio = to put on one’s boots or shoes, to shoe esgidiedig / esgidiog = shod esgidiwr = shoemaker, bootmaker esgidiau blewog = fur-lined boots esgidau byclau = buckled shoes esgidiau eira = show boots/shoes esgidiau nos = slippers esgid(iau) Gwyddel(od) = brogue(s) esgid goed, esgidiau coed = wooden-soled shoes, clogs esgidiau’r gog/gwcw = Bluebell, Wild Hyacinth
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	escid, esgis, eskas = shoe
Cornish (Kernewek)	eskis = shoe eskis sport = trainer, sports shoe eskisyow kron = slingbacks

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ped-skuHto-, from *ped- (to walk, step) and *skuH-t- (skin, hide) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cúarán = shoe, sock
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuarán = sandal
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuaran [kuəran] = sandal, bangage, toecap, sock
Manx (Gaelg)	carrane = hide sandal, sandal, slipper
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cuaran, kuaran, curan = boot, buskin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cu(a)ran, cwaran = boot, buskin curanog = buskined

Etymology: the Welsh words were borrowed from Irish. The words in the other languages possibly come from the Middle Irish cúar (curved, bent, crooked) from the Proto-Celtic *kukro- (curved), from the Proto-Indo-European *kewk- (to elevate, height) [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bòtann [bɔːhdən̪ˠ] = boot (esp. rubber boot, wellington) bòtais [bɔːhdɪʃ] = boot bùtais [buːhdɪʃ] = boot
Manx (Gaelg)	bootys = boot
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	botys, botes, botas, bottas = greave(s), shackle, boot, wader
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bot(i)as, bwtias = greave(s), shackle, boot, wader botasbren = bootjack, boot-tree botasog = wearing boots or greaves botaswr = bootmaker, shoemaker
Cornish (Kernewek)	botas = boot botas palvek = flippers botas stanch = wellies
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	botez, botes, botés = shoe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	botez = shoe, clog botour = shoemaker, cobbler botaouiñ = to shoe botez-prenn = clog, wooden shoe botezioù = hoof, sole

Etymology: (via English) from the Old French bote (boot), from the Frankish *butt, from Proto-Germanic *but(t)az (cut off, short, numb, blunt), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰewt-/*bʰewd- (to strike, push, shock”) [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

Foreheads

2nd December 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for foreheads, brows and related things in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	étan = brow, forehead
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadan [ˈeːd̪ˠənˠ] = front, face, forehead, flat surface, facet, end éadanán = headstall éadanchlár = fascia in éadan = against, opposed to as éadan = one by one, in (rapid) succession, indiscriminately
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aodann [ɯːdən̪ˠ] = face, front, dial aodannan = little face, mask, frontispiece aodann-clò = typeface aodann-fuadain = mask dà-aodannach = two-faced, double-skinned (in architecture)
Manx (Gaelg)	eddin = apron (of a dam), rockface, countenance, dial, disc, facade, face, facet, facial, fascia, front, frontage far-eddin = mask eddin harroo = sour-faced

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (forehead) [source].

Words from the same root include end, answer and antimony in English, and ante (before, earlier, instead of) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*talu = front, forehead
Gaulish	*talu = ?
Celtiberian	talukokum = ?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tul, taul, tel, til = protruberance, projecting part, swelling, boss of a shield
Irish (Gaeilge)	tul = protuberance, prominence, front, forehead tulach = low hill, hillock, mound tulán = protuberance, mound, knoll, hummock
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tul [tul̪ˠ] = face
Manx (Gaelg)	tool = ? tool-vuilley = forehand stroke
Proto-Brythonic	*tal
Old Welsh	tal = end
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tal = end
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tâl [taːl] = end (of an object), gable end, extremity, top, side, edge, rampart, front, face (of shield), forehead, brow, head tâl bainc, talbainc = end of bench, place of honour, best kind, first class ar dâl = at the top, end, by the side, near talaith = state, province, district, area, principality talar = headland (of ploughed field), boundary talaraf, talaru = to reach the headland, set a boundary
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tal = the front, forehead, end, top
Cornish (Kernewek)	tal = brow, forehead, front, temple talar = headland talgamma = to frown plegya tal = to frown, knit one’s brows
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tal = forehead taleg = sb with a big forehead
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tal = face, forehead

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *telh₂- (ground, bottom), or from *teHlu- [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

Sticks and Rods

24th November 202224th November 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for sticks, rods and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*slattā = staff, stalk
Old Irish (Goídelc)	slat = rod, lath, twig; ceremonial rod, staff; branch of a tree; scion, youth, stripling; yard (measure of length)
Irish (Gaeilge)	slat [sˠl̪ˠɑt̪ˠ/sˠlˠat̪ˠ] = rod, slender stick, cane, switch, wand, yard, outskirts slatach = rodlike, made of rods, wickered slatáil = beat with a switch or birch slataire = slip (of a person), sapling, tall supple youth slatamáil = (act of) birching slatfhear = slender supple man slatóg = small rod, twig
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	slat [sl̪ˠahd] = long stick, rod, yard (measure), penis slatag = small branch, twig slat Ghàidhealach = Highland yard (8′) slat-tomhais = standard, yardstick slatan-draoidheachd = magic wand, fairy wand
Manx (Gaelg)	slat(t) = batten, birch, cane, mace, rail, rod, slat, stem, switch, verge, wand slat hendreil = lightning-rod slat hows(h)e = criterion, yardstick slat hummee = dipper, dipstick slattag = perch, small rod, small stick, stripe, swizzle stick, twig
Proto-Brythonic	*llaθ = rod, staff, stick, spear, beam, rafter, pole
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lath = rod, staff, wand, stick
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llath [ɬaːθ] = rod, staff, wand, stick, lath, spear, lance, spar, rafter, beam, offshoot, descendant llath Gymreig = Welsh yard (about 40 inches) llathaid = yard’s length, yardstick, length of rod, pole or perch, square yard lathen = rod, wand, staff, stick, lath llathennaf, llathennu = to measure, be critical (of) hudlath = magic wand
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lath = hook, hinge
Cornish (Kernewek)	lath = stick, staff, yard
Old Breton	lath = pole, rod
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lazh, laz, lah = pole, rod
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lazh = slat (of a plough), board, batten

Etymology: unknown – possibly from a substrate language of northwestern Europe [source].

Words that may be related include lath (a thin, narrow strip, fastened to the rafters) in English, Latte (batten, lath, slat) in German, lat (slate, lath, ruler, yardstick) in Dutch, and lata (can, tin, plate) in Spanish [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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Adjectives

Burdensome Loads

Region and Country

Scotland

Taking Hold

Halves and Sides

Magic and Spells

Speckled and Spotted

Boots and Shoes

Foreheads

Sticks and Rods