Dictionary entry

Many (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ma″ny, n. [AS. menigeo, menigo, menio, multitude; akin to G. menge, OHG. managī, menigī, Goth. managei. See Many, a.] 1. The populace; the common people; the majority of people, or of a community.

After him the rascal many ran. Spenser.

2. A large or considerable number.

A many of our bodies shall no doubt

Find native graves. Shak.

Seeing a great many in rich gowns. Addison.

It will be concluded by manythat he lived like an honest man. Fielding.

☞ In this sense, many is connected immediately with another substantive (without of) to show of what the many consists; as, a good many people think so.

He is liable to a great many inconveniences. Tillotson.