Celt Definition

Origin of Celt

• Medieval Latin celtis chisel probably back-formed from celte a word found in some manuscripts of the Vulgate (Job 14:24) and interpreted as the ablative of a Latin celtis chisel but probably a misreading of Latin certē certainly

  From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

• English Celts is from the 17th century. Until the mid 19th century, IPA: /sɛlt/ is the only recorded pronunciation. A consciously archaizing pronunciation IPA: /kɛlt/ is advocated in Irish and Welsh nationalism beginning in the 1850s.

  From Wiktionary

• French Celte sing. of Celtes Celts from Latin Celtae from Greek Keltoi

  From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

• Via Latin Celtae (singular Celta) from Ancient Greek Kελτοί (Keltoi).

  From Wiktionary

• From Latin celtis (“chisel”).

  From Wiktionary