The word "crith" has an unusual and complex spelling compared to its pronunciation. It is pronounced /krɪθ/ (krith) with a hard "k" sound, followed by a short "i" and a "th" sound like in "thin." The spelling of the word "crith" might be deceiving because it has a silent "c." This word is a type of ancient Celtic measurement and was also used in medieval Irish and Welsh poetry. Proper pronunciation and spelling of "crith" are crucial to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
"Crith" is a noun that refers to an ancient Irish system of judgment used for legal and social matters. In Irish Brehon law, which was prevalent in early Ireland, crith was a mechanism for determining punishment or compensation based on the severity of an offense committed, the social status of the parties involved, and other relevant factors. This system was characterized by its fairness, as judgments were made by an assembly of judges known as a Brehon, who would hear both sides of a case and evaluate the evidence presented.
In crith, the severity of the offense was measured using a scale that considered various elements such as the value of the stolen property or the extent of the harm caused. The fines or compensation imposed were meant to restore harmony and balance in society, rather than focusing solely on punishment. This approach reflected the values of the ancient Irish society, which put great emphasis on maintaining a respectful and equitable community.
The term "crith" also has a secondary meaning in ancient Greek. In this context, it refers to a rhythmic or metrical effect in poetry, characterized by a certain rhythmic "trembling" or "shaking" effect. This definition is derived from the Greek word "krisis," which means to decide or judge. Consequently, the term "crith" in Greek poetry denotes a particular technique or effect employed in verse composition.
The weight of 1000 c.c. of hydrogen gas taken as the unit of weight of gases.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "crith" originates from the Irish language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old Irish word "crith" (pronounced krih), which means "trembling" or "shaking". In Irish mythology and law, it was often used to refer to a specific type of judgment or decision-making process known as "crith gablach". This process involved balancing scales and shaking or trembling a rod as a way to determine guilt or innocence in legal cases. Over time, the term "crith" has evolved to represent the concept of judgment or assessment more broadly.