Bard

A poet. Originally, "one of an ancient Celtic order of minstrel poets who composed and recited verses celebrating the legendary exploits of chieftains and heroes." (AHD)

Etymology: Middle English, from Irish and Scottish Gaelic bard from the root *gwere- (to favor) and so related to Latin gratus ("pleasing").

 

Other Celtic words (and words of probable or possible Celtic origin) in English include:

• ambassador
• andiron
• basin
• basket
• bother
• bran
• brat (1)
• briar (1)
• budget
• bushel (1)
• butcher
• charge
• chariot
• debris
• decant
• frown
• gladiator — from Latin gladius, sword (of Celtic origin)
• javelin
• lance
• mine (1)
• piece
• quay
• scourge
• tunnel
• vassal
• whiskey

Some of these come to us through Latin or French.

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