leithscéal

Irish

Etymology

From Old Irish leithscél, corresponding to leath- (“half”) +‎ scéal (“story”).

Pronunciation

• (Connacht) IPA^(key): /ˈl̠ʲɛʃceːlˠ/
• (Ulster) IPA^(key): /ˈl̠ʲɛʃcelˠ/, /l̠ʲɪʃcelˠ/

Noun

leithscéal m (genitive singular leithscéil, nominative plural leithscéalta)

1. excuse (explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgement)
2. apology

Declension

Declension of leithscéal

First declension

Bare forms: Case Singular Plural Nominative leithscéal leithscéalta Vocative a leithscéil a leithscéalta Genitive leithscéil leithscéalta Dative leithscéal leithscéalta

Forms with the definite article: Case Singular Plural Nominative an leithscéal na leithscéalta Genitive an leithscéil na leithscéalta Dative leis an leithscéal don leithscéal leis na leithscéalta

Derived terms

• gabh mo leithscéal, gabhaigí mo leithscéal (“excuse me, I beg your pardon”)
• leithscéalach (“fond of excuses; apologetic”)