L (l). 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).
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 "b'l, "g'l. See Guide to Pronunciation, §
241.
2. As a numeral, L stands for fifty in the English, as in the Latin
language.
For 50 the Romans used the Chalcidian chi, &?;, which assumed the
less difficult lapidary type, &?;, and was then easily assimilated
to L.