Meiny is a noun derived from Middle English "meinie", originating from the Old French word "mesnie" which means "household" or "retinue". It refers to a group of followers, attendants, or servants who accompany or serve a notable person, particularly those associated with royalty or nobility.
In its historical context, meiny denotes a collective body of individuals that constituted the entourage of a powerful individual, such as a monarch, nobleman, or high-ranking official. This group typically included loyal knights, soldiers, courtiers, cooks, chamberlains, stewards, and other attendants who assisted in the daily management and security of the household or retinue.
The term can also be employed more broadly to describe any assembly or gathering of people, especially in the poetic context. It may refer to a collective community, a band of followers, or simply a crowd of people in a particular place.
Additionally, meiny can be used figuratively to describe a large number or multitude of something, often in a disparaging or derogatory manner. It suggests an overwhelming or excessive quantity, implying a lack of individuality or significance.
Overall, the term meiny encompasses the idea of a group or collection of individuals associated with someone notable, either in terms of their social standing, occupation, or identification with a specific cause or purpose.
