modus

noun

mo·​dus
ˈmōdəs
plural modi
-ˌdī
see sense 2
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 modusGeorge Eliot
3
: a mode of procedure : a way of doing something
no modus of accomplishing this desired resultEzra 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

Word History

Etymology

Latin, measure, manner

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Dictionary Entries Near modus

Cite this Entry

“Modus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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