lɔt n. & v. --n. 1 colloq. (prec. by a or in pl.) a a
large number or
amount (a lot of
people; lots of chocolate). b colloq.
much (a lot warmer; smiles a lot; is lots better). 2 a
each of a set of objects used in
making a
chance selection. b
this method of deciding (chosen by lot). 3 a share, or
the responsibility resulting
from it. 4 a person's
destiny,
fortune, or
condition. 5
esp. US a
plot; an
allotment of
land (parking lot). 6 an
article or set of articles
for sale at an
auction etc. 7 a number or
quantity of associated persons or things. --v.tr. (lotted, lotting)
divide into lots. øbad lot a
person of
bad character.
cast (or draw) lots
decide by
means of lots.
throw in one's lot
with decide to share the fortunes
of. the (or the whole) lot the
whole number or quantity. a whole lot colloq.
very much (is a whole lot better). [OE hlot
portion,
choice f. Gmc]