Английский Этимологический словарь - host (2)

- "multitude" 1265, from O.Fr. host, from M.L. hostis "army, war-like expedition," from L. hostis "enemy, stranger," from the same root as host (1). Replaced O.E. here, and has in turn been largely superseded by army. The generalized meaning of "large number" is first attested 1613.