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tempus

noun
tem·​pus | \ ˈtempəs\
plural tempora\ -​pərə \

Definition of tempus 

: the relationship between breve and semibreve in mensural music When the tempus is imperfect a breve equals two minims.

— called also time

— compare modus, prolation

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First Known Use of tempus

1614, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tempus

Latin, time

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The first known use of tempus was in 1614

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