Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Comparison is often expressed by many with as or so. ``As many
as were willing hearted . . . brought bracelets.'' --Exod. xxxv.
22. ``So many laws argue so many sins.'' --Milton. Many stands
with a singular substantive with a or an.

   {Many a}, a large number taken distributively; each one of
      many. ``For thy sake have I shed many a tear.'' --Shak.
      ``Full many a gem of purest ray serene.'' --Gray.

   {Many one}, many a one; many persons. --Bk. of Com. Prayer.

   {The many}, the majority; -- opposed to {the few}. See
      {Many}, n.

   {Too many}, too numerous; hence, too powerful; as, they are
      too many for us. --L'Estrange.

   Syn: Numerous; multiplied; frequent; manifold; various;
        divers; sundry.