| L | pos>n. 1. L is the twelfth letter of the English alphabet, and a vocal consonant. It is usually called a semivowel or liquid. Its form and value are from the Greek, through the Latin, the form of the Greek letter being from the Phœnician, and the ultimate origin prob. Egyptian. Etymologically, it is most closely related to r and u; as in pilgrim, peregrine, couch (fr. collocare), aubura (fr. LL. alburnus). [ 1913 Webster ] At the end of monosyllables containing a single vowel, it is often doubled, as in fall, full, bell; but not after digraphs, as in foul, fool, prowl, growl, foal. In English words, the terminating syllable le is unaccented, the e is silent, and l is preceded by a voice glide, as in able, eagle, pronounced See Guide to Pronunciation, §241. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. As a numeral, L stands for fifty in the English, as in the Latin language. [ 1913 Webster ] For 50 the Romans used the Chalcidian chi, &unr_;, which assumed the less difficult lapidary type, &unr_;, and was then easily assimilated to L. I. Taylor (The Alphabet). [ 1913 Webster ] |
| L | n. 1. An extension at right angles to the length of a main building, giving to the ground plan a form resembling the letter L; sometimes less properly applied to a narrower, or lower, extension in the direction of the length of the main building; a wing. [ Written also ell. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Mech.) A short right-angled pipe fitting, used in connecting two pipes at right angles. [ Written also ell. ] [ 1913 Webster ] |
| L | a. 1. Having the general shape of the (capital) letter L; as, an L beam, or L-beam. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] 2. Elevated; -- a symbol for el. as an abbreviation of elevated in elevated road or railroad. -- n. An elevated road; as, to ride on the L. [ Colloq., U. S. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] |
| laager | n. [ D., also leger. Cf. 2d Leaguer, Lair. ] A camp, especially one surrounded by a circular formation of travelers' wagons for temporary defense. [ South Africa ]
Syn. -- lager. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] Wagons . . . can be readily formed into a laager, a camp, by being drawn into a circle, with the oxen placed inside and so kept safe from the attacks of wild beasts. James Bryce. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] |
