Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
MANY
I. adjective (more; most)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English manig; akin to Old High German manag many, Old Church Slavic mŭnogŭ much Date: before 12th century consisting of or amounting to a large but indefinite number , being one of a large but indefinite number ,
II. pro noun
Usage: plural in construction Date: before 12th century a large number of persons or things ,
III. noun
Usage: plural in construction
Date: 12th century
a large but indefinite number , the great majority of people