mickle

[ mik-uhl ]

adjective

, Archaic.

1. great; large; much.

mickle

/ ˈmɪkəl; ˈmʌkəl /

adjective

1. great or abundant

adverb

1. much; greatly

noun

1. a great amount, esp in the proverb, mony a little makes a mickle
2. a small amount, esp in the proverb, many a mickle maks a muckle

Word History and Origins

Origin of mickle¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English mikel, from Old Norse mikill; replacing Middle English michel, Old English micel; cognate with Old High German mihil, Gothic mikils, akin to Latin magnus, Greek mégas. See much

Word History and Origins

Origin of mickle¹

C13 mikel, from Old Norse mikell, replacing Old English micel much

Example Sentences

“I was really struck at first by how funny Michael was in his comic timing,” Mickle adds.

From The Daily Beast

Barbour adds that 'many others of mickle main' were killed in the mle; and the statement is amply confirmed.

From Project Gutenberg

Mickle thocht we o' the gentles ayont the sea, an' sair grat we for a' frien's we kent lang syne in oor ain countree.

From Project Gutenberg

With a weak contingent truly, perhaps some score or two of fighters: but many a little makes a mickle!

From Project Gutenberg

Then was it accomplished that Merlin whilom said, that mickle care should come of Arthur's departure.

From Project Gutenberg

Then all the city made great joy, for mickle had they heard of Sir Palomides, and of his noble prowess.

From Project Gutenberg