lot

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a parcel of land having fixed boundaries

   I bought a lot on the lake.

2. 2
   noun

   A large quantity or number; a great deal.

   win the whole lot (of money); i.e. jackpot

3. 3
   noun

   A separate, appropriated portion; a quantized, subdivided set consisting a whole.

   a lot of stationery

4. 4
   noun

   One or more items auctioned or sold as a unit, separate from other items.

   1927, Ernest Bramah, Max Carrados Mysteries This is an important lot. Very sorry, but we can't go on with the selling until we know more where we are.

5. 5
   noun

   A number of people taken collectively.

   a sorry lot

6. 6
   noun

   A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a field.

   a building lot in a city

7. 7
   noun

   That which happens without human design or forethought.

   But save my life, which lot before your foot doth lay.

8. 8
   noun

   Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used in determining a question by chance, or without human choice or will.

   to cast lots

Etymology

From Middle English lot, from Old English hlot (“portion, choice, decision”), from Proto-West Germanic *hlut, from Proto-Germanic *hlutą. Cognate with North Frisian lod, Saterland Frisian Lot, West Frisian lot, Dutch lot, French lot, German Low German Lott, Middle High German luz. Doublet of lotto. Related also to German Los.