Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - dozen

n. 1 (prec. by a or a number) (pl. dozen) twelve, regarded collectively (a dozen eggs; two dozen packets; ordered three dozen). 2 a set or group of twelve (packed in dozens). 3 colloq. about twelve, a fairly large indefinite number. 4 (in pl.; usu. foll. by of) colloq. very many (made dozens of mistakes). 5 (the dozens) a Black American game or ritualized exchange of verbal insults. Phrases and idioms by the dozen in large quantities. talk nineteen to the dozen Brit. talk incessantly. Derivatives dozenth adj. & n. Etymology: ME f. OF dozeine, ult. f. L duodecim twelve