celt

¹

[ selt ]

noun

, Archaeology.

1. an ax of stone or metal without perforations or grooves, for hafting.

Celt

²

[ kelt, selt ]

noun

1. a member of an Indo-European people now represented chiefly by the Irish, Gaels, Welsh, and Bretons.

Celt.

³

or Celt

abbreviation for

1. Celtic.

Celt

¹

/ sɛlt; kɛlt /

noun

1. a person who speaks a Celtic language
2. a member of an Indo-European people who in pre-Roman times inhabited Britain, Gaul, Spain, and other parts of W and central Europe

celt

²

/ sɛlt /

noun

1. archaeol a stone or metal axelike instrument with a bevelled edge

Word History and Origins

Origin of celt¹

1705–15; < Late Latin *celtis chisel, found only in the ablative case celte (Vulgate, Job XIX, 24)

Origin of celt²

1695–1705; < Latin Celtae (plural); in Greek Keltoí (plural)

Word History and Origins

Origin of celt¹

C18: from Late Latin celtes chisel, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

On June 4, during a break from working on the structure, he held a celt - a polished, cylindrical, foot-long piece of stone used as a woodworking tool by prehistoric native Americans.

From Washington Times

“A celt is a kind of battle-axe,” said Arthur, surprising the magician with this piece of information more than he had been surprised for several generations.

From Literature

They indicate some practical knowledge of the cleavage of silicious rocks, but they show no power of producing even such finish as the celts frequently exhibit.

From Project Gutenberg