-ar

-ar¹

var. of the adjective-forming suffix -al¹, joined to words in which an l precedes the suffix: circular; lunar; singular.

[ < L -aris; r. ME -er < AF, OF < L -aris]

-ar²

var. of -er², often under the influence of a spelling with -ar- in a cognate Latin noun: burglar; cellar; collar; mortar; poplar; scholar; vicar; vinegar.

-ar³

var. of -er¹ on the model of -ar², used in the formation of nouns of agency: liar; beggar.

* * *