Reconstruction:Proto-Brythonic/körxɨð

This Proto-Brythonic entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Brythonic

Etymology

From an underlying Proto-Celtic *korkiyos, perhaps onomatopoeic in origin. Frequently compared with Old Irish corr (“heron”) (< *korxsV?), but Schrijver reasons that this cannot produce the Brythonic form and argues that this may be a descriptive name arising within Goidelic.

Noun

*körxɨð m

1. heron

   Synonym: *krehɨr

Descendants

• Old Breton: corcid
  • Middle Breton: quercheiz
    • Breton: kerc’heiz
• Old Cornish: cherhit
  • Middle Cornish: kerghyth, keryth
    • Cornish: kerghydh
• Middle Welsh: crychydd, crechydd (with metathesis, perhaps influenced by crehyr (whence Welsh crëyr))
  • Welsh: crychydd, crechydd

References

R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “crychydd”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies