a variant of parcel (n.) attested since late 14c.; its use in colloquial American English to mean "a large group or number" of persons or things is attested from 1835.
see the rest of the winners in our huge passel of photos
passageway
Passamaquoddy
passant
passbook
passe
passel
passenger
passe-partout
passer
passer-by
passerine
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