# Michel

/ˈmaɪkəɫ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/michel
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. large or great

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic

very large or great in amount.

For teachers: denoting a large amount or great size; an archaic variant of 'mickle'.

- The old stories spoke of a michel treasure hidden deep in the mountain.
- The knight faced a michel challenge as he crossed the frozen wastes, for the journey was long and the winds were fierce.

Usage: Used primarily in historical or literary contexts; modern speakers use 'great' or 'much'.

Teaching tip: This word is obsolete in modern speech. Students will only encounter it in very old literature or as a surname.

### 2. a large amount

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a large amount of something.

For teachers: a great quantity or amount; an archaic variant of 'mickle'.

- Many a little makes a michel, as the old saying goes.
- Though each contribution was small, together they amounted to a michel that funded the entire cathedral.

Usage: Often found in the proverb 'many a little makes a mickle/michel'.

Teaching tip: This form is almost entirely replaced by 'mickle' in the few proverbs where it still survives.

## Examples

- The old book spoke of a michel weight of gold.
- In the ancient manuscript, the knight was described as having michel strength in battle.
- The poet employed michel as a deliberate archaism to evoke the linguistic texture of the fourteenth century, though modern readers might find the term obscure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.