Usage differs somewhat in other words of this class, some adding -s, and some -es.
(2) If a word ends in -y preceded by a consonant (the y being then changed to i); e.g., fancies, allies, daisies, fairies.
Words in -ies.
Formerly, however, these words ended in -ie, and the real ending is therefore -s. Notice these from Chaucer (fourteenth century):—
The lilie on hir stalke grene.
Of maladie the which he hadde endured.
And these from Spenser (sixteenth century):—
Be well aware, quoth then that ladie milde.
At last fair Hesperus in highest skie
Had spent his lampe.
(3) In the case of some words ending in -f or -fe, which have the plural in -ves: calf—calves, half—halves, knife—knives, shelf—shelves, etc.