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Definition of authentic mode
: a church mode (such as Phrygian or Mixolydian) whose ambitus comprises approximately the octave above the final (see final entry 2 sense c) An authentic mode is based on its Final or lowest note …— Rupert Hughes, The Musical Guide, 1903 — compare plagal mode — see church mode illustration
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Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
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The first known use of authentic mode was in 1740
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