N
N This letter represents a wriggling eel, and is called in Hebrew nun (a fish).
N
in Spanish, has sometimes a mark over it, thus- ñ. This mark
is called a tilde, and alters the sense and pronunciation of a
word. Thus, “pena” means punishment, but “peña,” a rock.
(See Marks In Grammar.)
N
(One whose name is not given.) (See M or N.)
N
a numeral. Greek 50, but 50,000. N (Rom.) = 900, but = 900,000.
N
added to Greek words ending in a short vowel to lengthen it “by
position,” and “1” added to French words beginning with a vowel, when
they follow a word ending with a vowel (as si l'on for si on), is called N or L “ephelcystic” (tagged-on); Greek, epi helko.
(See Marks In Grammar.)
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 
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