welsh

welsh

intransitive verb \ˈwelsh, ˈwelch\

Definition of WELSH

1

sometimes offensive : to avoid payment —used with on

2

sometimes offensive : to break one's word : renege

— welsh·er noun, sometimes offensive

Variants of WELSH

welsh also welch \ˈwelch\

Origin of WELSH

probably from Welsh, adjective

First Known Use: 1905

Welsh

noun \ˈwelsh, ˈwelch\

Definition of WELSH

1

: the Celtic language of the Welsh people

2

plural in construction : the natives or inhabitants of Wales

3

: welsh pony

— Welsh also Welch adjective

Variants of WELSH

Welsh also Welch \ˈwelch\

Origin of WELSH

Middle English Walsche, Welsse, from walisch, welisch, adjective, Welsh, from Old English wælisc, welisc foreign, British, Welsh, from Old English Wealh foreigner, Briton, Welshman, of Celtic origin; akin to the source of Latin Volcae, a Celtic people of southeastern Gaul

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Language Terms

cognate, collocation, homonym