{n.} A rather large number; numbers. - Used when there arc more than several and fewer than many. * /The parents were invited to see the program, and a number came./ * /We knew the Smiths rattier well; we had visited them a number of times./ - Used like an adjective before "less", "more". * /We have not set up enough folding chairs; we need a number more./ Compare: QUITE A FEW.
A NUMBER
Meaning of A NUMBER in English
Dictionary of English idioms . Словарь английских идиом. 2012