\L\ ([e^]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
   Ph[oe]nician, 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).
Note: 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 [=a]"b'l,
      ?"g'l. See Guide to Pronunciation, [sect] 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.         --I. Taylor
                                               (The
                                               Alphabet).

\L\ ([e^]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}.]
2. (Mech.) A short right-angled pipe fitting, used in
   connecting two pipes at right angles. [Written also
   {ell}.]

\L\, a.
1. Having the general shape of the (capital) letter L; as, an
   L beam, or L-beam.
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.]