ABSTRACT
All the L nouns, it will be noticed, derive from the inf s of first-<:onjugational vv: recept(llre)- spect(dre}-spir(llre}-tent(iire). The suffix therefore connotes either 'that which does' (whatever the action or process of the v may be), as in receptacle and tentacle, or 'that which receives' (the action or process), as in spectacle and spiracle. . -acy has been so neatly summarized by Webster that it were fatuous to refrain from the flattery of quotation: '.•• denoting quality, state, office, etc. It is derived from various sources, esp from Latin -acia (cf -acious, -y), a'l in efficacy; or after Latin -atia corresponding to nouns in -atus (cf French -atie • ••), as in primacy; or from Greek -ateia, as in piracy; or after analogous English nouns, and even adjectives, in -ate, as in accuracy, privacy.' Cf -cy.
