hantle

Meaning

Noun

• A considerable number or quantity; a great many; a great deal.

Origin

• Of obscure origin. Perhaps from Middle English *antel, *antæl, from Old English *antæl, *andtæl, equivalent to and- + tale; or more likely of North Germanic origin, related to Swedish antal, Danish antal ("a number, multitude"), Dutch aantal ("a number, a great many"), and German Anzahl ("a number, quantity, multitude"). The addition of initial h is believed to be due to influence from Middle English handfull ("handful").