I look like I could be a gerund for a verb of ability, but I am not. Before the refrigerator, I helped keep your food from rot.

Beneath the earth I grow, a humble brown knight. Though my visage is plain, I transform into golden delights or a comforting mash. From famine's grip, I once saved a nation.

My six letter name is shortened from Latin, and us completes my Latin name; all before, we were removed. My origins Welsh by name and fame, with Celtic roots sadly hidden; I tied to a king, with a table like a ring, and of fairness I was often spoken. I was guided by literary figure, with magical fame to my name; though please search my original Welsh name.

I exist only when you stop looking at me directly. I am born from agreement, but I collapse under proof. I can control crowds without force, erase truth without lies and survive centuries without a body. I am not a word but I live inside words.

It usually has twelve months but sometimes thirteen or more. They used to be paper but now electronic is used for this chore. Find an old one to see what someone was doing in days of yore. Some people X off a box each day to count more.