Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a collective generic term for average people, the mass.

1542		Udall (trans.) Erasmus’ Apophthegms (1564) Bk II 311: It was not his entente to bryng vnto Silla philip and cheiny, mo then a good meiny, but to bryng hable soudiours of manhood approued and well tryed to his handes.
a.1563		Becon Displaying of the Popishe Masse in Works III 47: Ye praye for Philippe and Chenye, mo than a good meany, for the soules of your great grand Sir and of your olde Beldame Hurre .
1573		T. Tusser Five Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie (1878) 8: Loiterers I kept so meanie, Both Philip, Hob, and Cheanie.
1620		J. Taylor ‘Praise of Hemp-Seed’ in Works (1869) III 64: Philip and Cheiny never would appeare / Within our bounds.