llech

Welsh

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɬeːχ/
• Rhymes: -eːχ

Etymology 1

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

Noun

llech f (plural llechi or llechau, diminutive llechen or llechan)

1. flagstone, slab of stone

   Synonyms: llorlech, fflag

2. slate
3. tablet (slab of clay used for inscription)

Derived terms

• cromlech (“cromlech, dolmen”)
• llechen (“slate, tablet”)
• llechfaen (“slate; bakestone”)
• llorlech (“flagstone”)
• 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”)
• llechgi (“sneak, skulker”)
• llechian (“to skulk, to sneak”)
• llechu (“to hide”)

Mutation

Mutated forms of llech

radical	soft	nasal	aspirate
llech	lech	unchanged	unchanged

Note: Certain mutated forms of some words can never occur in standard Welsh.
All possible mutated forms are displayed for convenience.

Further reading

• D. G. Lewis, N. Lewis, editors (2005–present), “llech”, in Gweiadur: the Welsh–English Dictionary, Gwerin
• 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