Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar, section 101

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Nouns wanting in the Singular.

101.

Some nouns are commonly or exclusively found in the Plural (pl=ur=alia tantum). Such are -

1. Many names of towns: as, Athénae (Athens), Thúrií, Philippí, Veií.

2. Names of festivals and games: as, Olympia, the Olympic Games; Bacchánália, feast of Bacchus; Quínquátrús, festival of Minerva; lúdí Rómání, the Roman Games.

3. Names of classes: as, optimátés, the upper classes; maiórés, ancestors; líberí, children; penátés, household gods; Quirítés, citizens (of Rome).

4. Words plural by signification: as, arma, weapons; artús, joints; dívitiae, riches; scálae, stairs; valvae, folding-doors; forés, double-doors; angustiae, a narrow pass (narrows); moenia, city walls.

NOTE 1: Some words, plural by signification in Latin, are translated by English nouns in the singular number: as, déliciae, delight, darling; faucés, throat; fidés, lyre (also singular in poetry); ínsidiae, ambush; cervícés, neck; viscera, flesh.

NOTE 2: The poets often use the plural number for the singular, sometimes for metrical reasons, sometimes from a mere fashion: as, óra (for ós), the face; scéptra (for scéptrum), sceptre; silentia (for silentium), silence.