meiny

or mein·ie

[ mey-nee ]

noun

, plural mein·ies.

1. Archaic. a group or suite of attendants, followers, dependents, etc.
2. Scot. Archaic. a multitude; crowd.

meiny

/ ˈmeɪnɪ /

noun

1. a retinue or household
2. a crowd

Word History and Origins

Origin of meiny¹

1250–1300; Middle English meynee household < Old French meyne, mesnie, mesnede < Vulgar Latin *mānsiōnāta. See mansion, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of meiny¹

C13: from Old French mesnie, from Vulgar Latin mansiōnāta (unattested), from Latin mansiō a lodging; see mansion

Example Sentences

Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on their mistress, passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's side.

From Project Gutenberg

Their noble meiny now brought saddled before the gate the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights.

From Project Gutenberg

When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King Etzel's meiny step aside.

From Project Gutenberg

Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny mourned bitterly the stately man.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Kriemhild spied the margravine standing with her meiny.

From Project Gutenberg