n. 1 (usu. foll. by of) a large number of people or things. 2 archaic an army. 3 (in full heavenly host) Bibl. a the sun, moon, and stars. b the angels. host (or hosts) of heaven = sense 3 of n. is a host in himself can do as much as several ordinary people. Lord (or Lord God) of hosts God as Lord over earthly or heavenly armies.
[ ME f. OF f. L hostis stranger, enemy, in med.L 'army' ]