Focal an Lae #243
The Word of the Day in Irish

Word: faoiseamh (FWEE-shuhv) [fiːs′əv]

Meaning: faoiseamh = relief, respite


History: Old Irish “fáesam” (protection) is the verbal noun of “fo-sisedar” (stands under, takes responsibility for, protects). Both “fáesam” and the Welsh cognate “gwaesaf” (warrant, help) derive from Indo-European *upo-si-sta-mu-, based on the root *stā- (to stand). Cognates in English include “vassal” and “valet”, from Medieval Latin “vassus”, presumed to be borrowed from Gaulish *wasso- (servant, “one who stands under”), from IE *upo-st-o-.

2008-06-19 CPD