welsh

[ welsh, welch ]
/ wɛlʃ, wɛltʃ /

verb (used without object) Informal: Sometimes Offensive.

to cheat by failing to pay a gambling debt: You aren't going to welsh on me, are you?
to go back on one's word: He welshed on his promise to help in the campaign.
Also welch.

Origin of welsh

First recorded in 1855–60; perhaps special use of Welsh

usage note for welsh

Use of this verb is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Welsh, the people of Wales. However, its actual origin may have nothing to do with Wales or its people; in fact, the verb is also spelled welch.

OTHER WORDS FROM welsh

welsh·er, noun

Definition for welsh (2 of 2)

Welsh
[ welsh, welch ]
/ wɛlʃ, wɛltʃ /

adjective

of or relating to Wales, its people, or their language.

noun

the inhabitants of Wales and their descendants elsewhere.
Also called Cymric, Kymric. the Celtic language of Wales.
one of a white, lop-eared breed of swine of Welsh origin that produces a large amount of lean meat.
Also Welch.

Origin of Welsh

before 900; Middle English Welische, Old English Welisc, derivative of Walh Briton, foreigner (compare Latin Volcae a Gallic tribe); cognate with German welsch foreign, Italian

OTHER WORDS FROM Welsh

non-Welsh, adjective, noun

Example sentences from the Web for welsh

British Dictionary definitions for welsh (1 of 3)

welsh

welch

/ (wɛlʃ) /

verb (intr often foll by on) slang

to fail to pay a gambling debt
to fail to fulfil an obligation

Derived forms of welsh

welsher or welcher, noun

Word Origin for welsh

C19: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for welsh (2 of 3)

Welsh 1
/ (wɛlʃ) /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Wales, its people, their Celtic language, or their dialect of English

noun

a language of Wales, belonging to the S Celtic branch of the Indo-European family. Welsh shows considerable diversity between dialects
the Welsh (functioning as plural) the natives or inhabitants of Wales collectively
Also (rare): Welch

Word Origin for Welsh

Old English Wēlisc, Wǣlisc; related to wealh foreigner, Old High German walahisc (German welsch), Old Norse valskr, Latin Volcae

British Dictionary definitions for welsh (3 of 3)

Welsh 2
/ (wɛlʃ) /

noun

a white long-bodied lop-eared breed of pig, kept chiefly for bacon