- #1
bomba923
- 759
- 0
What is the etymology behind (word history of) the English word,
[size=+3]"Wraith"[/size]
??
[size=+3]"Wraith"[/size]
??
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Wraith: Etymology & Word History
- Context: History
- Thread starter bomba923
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the etymology and word history of the English word "wraith," exploring its origins and linguistic connections, particularly in relation to Scottish and potentially Norse influences.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant notes that the origin of "wraith" is uncertain, indicating it is of Scottish origin but lacks a definitive explanation.
- Another participant expresses dissatisfaction with the phrase "uncertain origin," suggesting that more information is needed.
- There is a proposal that both Old Norse and Erse (Scots Gaelic) could have influenced the word, leading to a "folk-conflation" of terms in Scotland.
- A later reply acknowledges the previous point, indicating agreement with the idea of dual influences.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the origins of "wraith," with some supporting the idea of multiple linguistic influences while others highlight the uncertainty surrounding its etymology. No consensus is reached regarding the definitive origin.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects limitations in the available etymological information and the reliance on interpretations of historical language use.
- #2
larkspur
- 515
- 4
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=wraith"
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- #3
bomba923
- 759
- 0
larkspur said:
"Uncertain origin" is not a good answerhttp://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=wraith said:
...but it will have to do*
(*But at least, now we know that "wraith" is Scottish
, and either Klein or Weekley may be right
)*Until we have more information...
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- #4
Rach3
edit: I replied to a post which afterwards was rewritten (poor etiquette! 
).
).
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- #5
selfAdjoint
Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
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Why not both? Since both Old Norse and Erse (Scots Gaelic) were spoken in Scotland, people could have heard both words used, in somewhat similar contexts, and "folk-conflated" them.
- #6
bomba923
- 759
- 0
~Good point 
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