Pictish
/ˈpɪk.tɪʃ/noun
Relating to the Picts, an ancient people of northern and eastern Scotland, or to their language.
Did you know?The Latin word *Picti* was likely a Roman nickname meaning “the painted ones,” probably referring to body art or war paint rather than the people’s own name for themselves.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Roman
Latin
Picti
““The painted ones,” a name used by Roman writers for the people north of Roman Britain”
Late Latin
Latin
Picticus
“Pertaining to the Picts”
Old English
Old English
Pictisc
“Of or belonging to the Picts”
Middle English
English
Pictish
“Relating to the Picts or their language”
Modern English
English
Pictish
“Relating to the Picts, or the extinct language associated with them”