cynghanedd

noun

cyng·​ha·​nedd

kəŋˈhä(ˌ)net͟h

plural cynganeddion

ˌkəŋəˈnet͟hyən

1

: a strict intricate system of alliteration and rhyme used in Welsh poetry

the knowledge of cynghanedd is shared by farm laborer and village craftsman as well as the schoolmaster and parson

—Wyn Griffith

2

: alliteration or alliteration and rhyme in any of the four patterns of cynghanedd

one rule is common to all the "24 measures": there must be cynghanedd in every line

—A. S. D. Smith

Word History

Etymology

Welsh, from cym- com- (from Old Welsh com-) + canu to sing + -edd (noun suffix); akin to Latin com- and to Latin canere to sing

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