leithead

Etymology

From Old Irish leithet, from the same root as lethan (“broad, wide”) (from Proto-Celtic *ɸlitanos).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈl̠ʲɛhəd̪ˠ/
• (Cois Fharraige) IPA^(key): /ˈl̠ʲeːd̪ˠ/

Noun

leithead m (genitive singular leithid, nominative plural leithid)

1. width, breadth

   leithead boise ― palm’s breath

   ar a leithead ― along its breadth

   dhá leithead an tí seo de bhlúire prátaí ― a potato patch twice the width of this house

   áit a ghabhfadh leithead mo dhá bhonn ― a place wide enough to put my two feet on

   Cuir leithead eile sa ngúna.

   Put another width in the dress.

   1. area, space, of certain width
   2. latitude
   3. piece of cloth of certain width

      Cas leithead éigin aniar ort ón mbáisteach.

      Wrap a width of cloth around you on account of the rain.

   4. (winnowing-)sheet
2. overweening pride, conceit, importance

References

• “1 leithet” in Dictionary of the Irish Language, Royal Irish Academy, 1913–76.
• “leiṫead” in Foclóir Gaeḋilge agus Béarla, Irish Texts Society, 2nd ed., 1927, by Patrick S. Dinneen.
• "leithead" in Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla, An Gúm, 1977, by Niall Ó Dónaill.