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the particle and that others did not. The truth is that none of them take it when used as independent substantives, and that they all take it when used as counters. I have heard a céad used as a counter. It means the last individual of the hundred, whereas céad means the whole hundred individuals.
The third shape of the idea is that of a counter in the form of an adjective, i.e., "one horse." "two horses," "three horses." etc. In this method of Irish counting the first number is never used at all. We never say in Irish "one horse." We always say, capal, ḋá ċapal, trí capail, ċeiṫre capail, etc.: bean, ḋá ṁnaoí, trí mná, ċeiṫre mná, etc.
Sometimes, in Irish counting, the individuals are kept so distinct as never to constitute a plural.
Capal = one horse.
Ḋá ċapal = two horses.
Trí ċapal = three horses.
Ceiṫre ċapal = four horses. etc.
Seaċt, oċt, and naoi prefer the plural.
Thus the mystery of fiċe capal is easily seen through.
In the case of verbal nouns even seaċt, oċt, and naoi take the singular.
Seaċt mbualaḋ = seven thrashings.
Oċt mbualaḋ = eight thrashings.
Naoi mbualaḋ = nine thrashings.
Deiċ mbualaḋ = ten thrashings
Cúig ḃeirḃaḋ = five boilings.
Trí ṫriomúġaḋ = three dryings.
Ḋá ḟásġaḋ = two squeezings.
Cimilt = (one) rubbing.
