Focal an Lae #103
The Word of the Day in Irish
Word: each (AKH, A as in “cat”) [æx]
Meaning: each = horse, steed
Usage:
- each cogaidh (AKH KO-gwee) [æx kogiː] = war horse
- each-chumhacht (AKH-KHOO-uhkht) [æx xuːəxt] = horsepower
- Cuir an diallait ar an each cóir. (KWIHR uh JEE-uh-luhch ehr uh NYAKH KOH-ihr) [kir′ ə d′iələt′ er′ ə n′æx koːr′]
= Place the blame where it belongs. (lit., put the saddle on the proper horse)
NOTE: The most common word for “horse” in Irish is “capall”, which will be the next Focal.
In Scottish Gaelic, however, “each” is the usual word.
History: Old Irish “ech”, Welsh “ebol” (colt) and Gaulish “epos” all come from Indo-European *ekwo- (horse).
The Gaulish word is the basis of the name “Epona”, the Horse Goddess. Her popularity spread to the Romans, whoa ccorded her
a festival which was celebrated every December 18th.
An English cognate is “equestrian”, from Latin “equus”.
Scottish Gaelic: each