llai

• IPA^(key): /ɬai̯/

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From Middle Welsh llei (comparative of llaw (“small”)), from Proto-Brythonic *llaɣü (comparative of *llaɣw), from Proto-Celtic *lagyūs (comparative of *legus (“small”)), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁lengʷʰ- (“lightweight”). Cognate with Old Irish laigiu.

llai

1. comparative degree of bach: smaller
2. less, fewer

Possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *pelH- (“pale”) and so connected to llwyd (“grey”).

llai (feminine singular llai, plural llai, not comparable)

1. (obsolete) grey, brown, dun, dark red, dark

• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “llai”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies