Gallowglass in Irish (Gallóglach): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for gallowglass?

The Irish for gallowglass is gallóglach (pronounced “GAL-oh-glukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gallóglaigh. Depending on context it can also mean mercenary.

Q: What is the plural of gallowglass in Irish?

The plural of gallóglach is gallóglaigh; with the article, na gallóglaigh means “the gallowglasses”. The genitive plural is gallóglach, as in ceannaire na ngallóglach (leader of the gallowglasses).

Q: Does gallóglach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gallóglach can mean gallowglass or mercenary, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “gallowglass” in Irish

Irish:: gallóglach
English:: gallowglass, mercenary
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GAL-oh-glukh” /ˈɡal̪ˠoːɡl̪ˠəx/

Various forms

Plural:: gallóglaigh (gallowglasses)
Genitive singular:: gallóglaigh, an ghallóglaigh (e.g. tua an ghallóglaigh, the gallowglass's axe)
Genitive plural:: gallóglach, na ngallóglach (e.g. ceannaire na ngallóglach, leader of the gallowglasses)

What does “gallóglach” mean?

“Gallóglach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

gallowglass: A heavily armed foreign or Irish mercenary soldier of medieval Ireland, originally of Norse-Gaelic Scottish origin.Also: galloglass, medieval soldier, axeman.

1 other meaning: mercenary

2mercenary: A soldier who fights for pay in the service of a foreign lord or country.Also: hired soldier, soldier of fortune.

“Gallóglach” with the article

The plural of gallowglass in Irish is gallóglaigh. Here is gallóglach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gallóglach

the gallowglass

No change after an

na gallóglaigh

the gallowglasses

Plural: no change after na

“Gallóglach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gallóglach, the Irish word for gallowglass.

Bhí an gallóglach armtha le tua mhór.

The gallowglass was armed with a big axe.

Tháinig na gallóglaigh ó Albain go hÉirinn.

The gallowglasses came from Scotland to Ireland.

D'fhostaigh an tiarna gallóglaigh dá arm.

The lord hired gallowglasses for his army.

Ba ghallóglach cáiliúil é a sheanathair.

His grandfather was a famous gallowglass.

Léigh mé leabhar faoi shaol an ghallóglaigh.

I read a book about the life of the gallowglass.

Throid clann na ngallóglach i gcathanna móra.

The gallowglass families fought in great battles.

Tá dealbh de ghallóglach sa mhúsaem.

There is a statue of a gallowglass in the museum.

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Gallowglass in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gallowglass?

The Irish for gallowglass is gallóglach (pronounced “GAL-oh-glukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gallóglaigh. Depending on context it can also mean mercenary.

How do you pronounce gallóglach in Irish?

Gallóglach is said like “GAL-oh-glukh” (IPA /ˈɡal̪ˠoːɡl̪ˠəx/).

What is the plural of gallowglass in Irish?

The plural of gallóglach is gallóglaigh; with the article, na gallóglaigh means “the gallowglasses”. The genitive plural is gallóglach, as in ceannaire na ngallóglach (leader of the gallowglasses).

Does gallóglach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gallóglach can mean gallowglass or mercenary, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gallóglach change to ghallóglach or ngallóglach?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gallóglach becomes mo ghallóglach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngallóglach (eclipsis).

Is the English word gallowglass from Irish?

Yes, gallowglass comes from gallóglach, from gall 'foreigner' and óglach 'young warrior, soldier'.

How is gallóglach different from ceithearnach?

A gallóglach was a heavily armed mercenary, while a ceithearnach (kern) was a lightly armed Irish foot soldier.

Gallowglass in Irish (Gallóglach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage