bonheddig
Welsh
Etymology
bonedd (“pedigree; nobility”) + -ig (“possessing”) (compare Old Welsh bonhedyc, bonhetyc)
Pronunciation
- (North Wales) IPA(key): /bɔnˈhɛðɪɡ/
- (South Wales) IPA(key): /bɔnˈheːðɪɡ/, /bɔnˈhɛðɪɡ/
Adjective
bonheddig (feminine singular bonheddig, plural boneddigion, equative boneddiced, comparative boneddicach, superlative boneddicaf)
- noble, aristocratic
- Synonyms: boneddigaidd, pendefigaidd
- magnificent, luxurious
- Synonyms: ardderchog, rhagorol, moethus
- proud, haughty
- Synonyms: balch, ffroenuchel
Derived terms
- rhedyn bonheddig (“royal ferns”)
Noun
bonheddig m (plural boneddigion)
- a noble, an aristocrat
Usage notes
In Medieval use, bonheddig applied to the national aristocracy in the widest sense as opposed to peasants (taeog), foreigners (alltud) or slaves (caeth).
Coordinate terms
- (gender): boneddiges f
Derived terms
- boneddigaidd (“noble”)
- boneddigion a boneddigesau (“ladies and gentlemen”)
- crachfonheddig (“upstart”)
- gŵr bonheddig (“gentleman”)
Related terms
- bonheddu (“ennoble”, verb)
Mutation
| radical | soft | nasal | aspirate |
|---|---|---|---|
| bonheddig | fonheddig | monheddig | unchanged |
Note: Certain mutated forms of some words can never occur in standard Welsh.
All possible mutated forms are displayed for convenience.
References
- A. Wade-Evans. Welsh Medieval Law.
- R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “bonheddig”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies