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 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

Word History

Etymology

Latin, measure, manner

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