165 
IV. Of the names by which the Irish laws are called. 
The ancient Irish laws are called, in the language of the country, 
by four different names, in the explanation of some of which some 
mistakes, it is submitted, have been made by modern authors. The 
names are as follow, viz. 
I. Srancuas, z. e. Szancnuis, which the commentators on the 
laws explain by “ gach cwis shean acas gach cutis bheannas do na 
“ Seanatbh,” << every ancient law, and every law relating to the 
* ancients.” 
Il. Fenecuas, or Frinecuuis, which the commentators derive 
from “ Fene” or “ Fine-chaoi-fhios” i.e. slighidh feasa Fine na 
“ hErenn, acas feasa a cuisi fos ;” “ the way of knowledge of the 
“ people of Ireland, and also of their laws.”  Oir is ainm do 
“ Erennchaibh Fave o Fhenuis farsaidh” “ For Fine is a name of 
* the Irish from (their ancestor) Fenius farsaidh.” The commen- 
tator further says, that some considered this word merely a variation 
in the spelling of the word Seanchas or Seanachas, by a Ceannfho- 
chras or change of initials, common in ancient Irish language.* 
Tf. Diicuwx Brerruzamaum, i.e. Judges Laws ; commonly 
called Brehoon, or Brehon Laws. 
IV. Dutcaiox Nemnnipn, i. e. Laws of the degrees or ranks. 
This title has been by OF laherty, in his « Ogygia,” and by Doctor 
John Lynch, R. C. Archdeacon of Tuam, under the signature 
of Gratianus Lucius, in his “ Cambrensis Eversus,” translated into 
Latin by “ Judicia Cwlestia;” and from them the late Charles 
cal 
* The Irish Scholar, who has not the means of consulting the original laws, will find the com. 
ment here referred to, which contains many curious particulars, under the word SEANcHUs, 
in O'Reilly's Irish English Dictionary. 
