claideamh

Claideamh is a Gaelic noun meaning "sword," chiefly in Scottish Gaelic. In Irish Gaelic the common term for sword is claíomh; claideamh is more typically encountered in Scottish Gaelic sources or in discussions of Gaelic warfare. The word is linked to the broader Celtic vocabulary for blades and weapons and has cognates in other Insular Celtic languages.

In historical context, swords were prominent in Gaelic-speaking regions from the Iron Age into the early modern period. The highland great sword known as the claidheamh mòr, literally "great sword," is a well-known example; the term is the source of the English word claymore. The claymore was typically a two-handed weapon used by Highland warriors in the late medieval to early modern era.

In Gaelic literature and folklore, the claideamh appears as a symbol of martial prowess and honor; many references are found in heroic poetry and sagas. Swords are often described in epic narratives and are associated with legendary leaders and battles.

In modern usage, claideamh retains its historical sense in academic writing and museums; it also appears in cultural festivals, reenactments, and Gaelic language materials. The term remains a key part of discussions about Celtic weaponry, Highland history, and Gaelic heritage.