SWARM (2)

swarm (2). Swarm, v.i. to crowd, throng, abound, breed

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Swarm, n. [[OE. swarm, AS. swearm; akin to D. zwerm, G. schwarm, OHG. swaram, Icel. svarmr a tumult, Sw. svärm a swarm, Dan. sværm, and G. schwirren to whiz, to buzz, Skr. svar to sound, and perhaps to E. swear. √177. Cf. Swerve, Swirl.]] 1. 1. A large number or mass of small animals or insects, especially when in motion. “A deadly swarm of hornets.” Milton.
2. 2. Especially, a great number of honeybees which emigrate from a hive at once, and seek new lodgings under the direction of a queen; a like body of bees settled permanently in a hive. “A swarm of bees.” Chaucer.
3. 3. Hence, any great number or multitude, as of people in motion, or sometimes of inanimate objects; as, a swarm of meteorites.
Those prodigious swarms that had settled themselves in every part of it . Addison. Syn. — Multitude; crowd; throng.