llech

Welsh

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɬeːχ/

Etymology 1

From Middle Welsh llech, from Proto-Brythonic *llex, from Proto-Celtic *ɸlikkā.

Noun

llech f (plural llechi or llechau)

1. flagstone, slab of stone
2. slate
3. tablet (slab of clay used for inscription)

Derived terms

• cromlech (“cromlech, dolmen”)
• llechen (“slate, tablet”)
• llechfaen (“slate; bakestone”)
• priddlech (“tile”)

Etymology 2

Perhaps a semantic extension of Etymology 1, from "stone slab" > "building made of stone slabs" > "hiding place".

Noun

llech m

1. hiding place
2. state of concealment, hiding
3. lurking, skulking, stealth
4. sly or stealthy person, sneak, skulker

Derived terms

• llechaidd (“stealthy, furtive”, adj)
• llechgi m (“sneak, skulker”)
• llechian (“skulk, sneak”, verb)
• llechu (“hide, skulk”, verb)

Mutation

Welsh mutation
radical	soft	nasal	aspirate
llech	lech	unchanged	unchanged
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

References

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