Paraphrased (plagiarized) from another source... Rare plural forms like oxen are left over from that period, with -en used for a very few words that fought off the encroachment of -s. The only other common plural in -en that survives in our modern language is brethren. This came from an older spelling of brother as brether, and lost the middle e. For a while both brothers and brethren meant the same thing, but the latter gradually shifted sense to refer to a spiritual relationship. At one time it was also used for professional relationships, and survives, for example, in Masonic usage.
Photographers who love their LXen are brethren, both professionally and at heart. Regards, Bob... > From: Collin Brendemuehl [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Look here for more info: > http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/plurals.htm > > Check the section: > Plurals and Apostrophes
