adj. & n.
adj. literary 1 many and various (manifold vexations). 2 having various forms, parts, applications, etc. 3 performing several functions at once.
n. 1 a thing with many different forms, parts, applications, etc. 2 Mech. a pipe or chamber branching into several openings. manifoldly adv. manifoldness n.
[ OE manigfeald (as MANY, -FOLD) ]