Note 66 — Chapter IV · POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CONDITION OF IRELAND

The derivation of the word druid (nom. drui, gen. druad) is uncertain. Perhaps, as Professor Rhŷs holds, Druidism was not of Celtic origin, and the word “was adopted by the Celts from some earlier population conquered by them” (see his “Studies in Early Irish History,” in Proceedings of the British Academy, vol. i. p. 8). Druidecht is the Irish for magic. For the functions and powers of the Druids some excellent pages in Dr. Joyce’s Social History, I. c. ix., may be recommended; illustrations and references will be found there.