An age or extended period of time in human (or earthly) existence or history; (in plural) ages. See also phrases 10, phrases 9b, and phrases 22. Obs…

figurative. With reference to metaphorical sailing, drowning, waves, etc.; also, a copious or overwhelming quantity or mass (of something). See…

A huge quantity or number.

figurative. A mass, quantity, or amount impressive by its vast proportions.

figurative. An immense or boundless expanse of something. Also (hyperbolically): a very great or indefinite quantity; (frequently in plural) lots of.

In extended sense: a complex mass. Obsolete.

An immense quantity or deal.

dialect. A very great number or amount.

As much or as many as would fill a world. Chiefly in hyperbolical use. Frequently with of.

as much as an ocean contains; hyperbolically, a large quantity.

One million tons or tonnes (see note at sense 1). Frequently figurative or hyperbolically: an enormous amount. Cf. ton, n.1 4b.