I. ˈīrish, -rēsh adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle English, from (assumed) Old English Īrisc, from Old English Īras Irishmen (of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish Ēriu Ireland) + -isc -ish
1. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Ireland or its inhabitants : produced in or native or peculiar to Ireland
2.
a. : being or belonging to the Celtic speech of Ireland : irish-gaelic
b. obsolete : scottish-gaelic
II. noun
( -es ; see sense 1a )
1. capitalized
a. plural in construction : natives or inhabitants of Ireland or their immediate descendants especially when of Celtic speech or culture — compare celt , gael
b. obsolete : irishman , irishwoman
2. capitalized : the Irish language:
a. : the Irish branch of Goidelic : the Goidelic speech of the Celts in Ireland : irish gaelic — see middle irish , old irish ; indo-european languages table
b. obsolete : scottish gaelic
c. : English as spoken by the Irish with more or less dialect change and brogue
3. usually capitalized , obsolete : an old game resembling backgammon
4. usually capitalized
a. : irish linen
b. : irish whiskey
5. usually capitalized : temper , anger
don't get your Irish up over a little thing like that
6. usually capitalized : a tap-dance step consisting of a shuffle, hop, and step