SINCE 1828
modus
noun
mo·dus
| \ ˈmōdəs\
plural modi\ -ˌdī \see sense 2
Definition of modus
1
: the immediate manner in which property may be acquired (as by occupation or prescription) or the particular tenure by which it is held
2
plural moduses
: a customary mode of tithing by composition instead of by payment in kind
still took his tithe pig or his modus— George Eliot
3
: a mode of procedure : a way of doing something
no modus of accomplishing this desired result— Ezra Pound
4
: mode
5
or mode plural modes
: the relationship between the long and the breve in mensural music
In minor modus there are two breves to the long, whereas in major modus there are three.
— compare prolation, tempus
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