bonheddig

Welsh

Etymology

bonedd (“pedigree; nobility”) +‎ -ig (“possessing”) (compare Old Welsh bonhedyc, bonhetyc)

Pronunciation

• (North Wales) IPA^(key): /bɔnˈhɛðɪɡ/
• (South Wales) IPA^(key): /bɔnˈheːðɪɡ/, /bɔnˈhɛðɪɡ/

Adjective

bonheddig (feminine singular bonheddig, plural boneddigion, equative boneddiced, comparative boneddicach, superlative boneddicaf)

1. noble, aristocratic

   Synonyms: boneddigaidd, pendefigaidd

2. magnificent, luxurious

   Synonyms: ardderchog, rhagorol, moethus

3. proud, haughty

   Synonyms: balch, ffroenuchel

Derived terms

• rhedyn bonheddig (“royal ferns”)

Noun

bonheddig m (plural boneddigion)

1. a noble, an aristocrat

   Synonyms: brëyr, gwrda, uchelwr

Usage notes

In Medieval use, bonheddig applied to the national aristocracy in the widest sense as opposed to peasants (taeog), foreigners (alltud) or slaves (caeth).

Coordinate terms

• (gender): boneddiges f

Derived terms

• boneddigaidd (“noble”)
• gŵr bonheddig (“gentleman”)
• boneddigion a boneddigesau (“ladies and gentlemen”)

Related terms

• bonheddu (“ennoble”, verb)

Mutation

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

References

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