the dozens, Slang. a ritualized game typically engaged in by two persons each of whom attempts to outdo the other in insults directed against members of the other's family (usually used in the phrase play the dozens).
dozens An indefinite, large number: dozens of errands to run.
adj. Twelve.
[Middle English dozeine, from Old French dozaine, from doze, twelve, ultimately from Latin duodecim : duo, two; see dwo- in Indo-European roots + decem, ten; see dek in Indo-European roots.] doz'enth (-ənth) adj.