church mode

noun

: one of eight scales prevalent in medieval music each utilizing a different pattern of intervals and beginning on a different tone

Word History

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of church mode was in 1740

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Cite this Entry

“Church mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/church%20mode. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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