Reconstruction:Proto-Brythonic/merθɨr

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

Borrowed from Latin martyr. This cannot regularly reflect an underlying, pre-apocope *martɨr (otherwise **merθr would be expected), so it is likely that the form acquired a Brythonic case ending prior to apocope (compare crux > *cruxsā > *kroɨs). Cognate with Old Irish martar. The second sense may be an independent borrowing from Ecclesiastical Latin martyrium.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /merˈθɨːr/

Noun

*merθɨr m

1. (Christianity) martyr
2. (in toponyms) martyrium; burial place of a martyr

Descendants

• Middle Breton: merzer
  • Breton: merzher
• Middle Cornish: *merthur (in compound)
  • Cornish: merther
• Middle Welsh: merthyr
  • Welsh: merthyr

References

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