Pluralities

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Plurality \Plu*ral"i*ty\, n.; pl. {pluralities}. [L. pluralitas:
     cf. F. pluralit['e].]
     1. The state of being plural, or consisting of more than one;
        a number consisting of two or more of the same kind; as, a
        plurality of worlds; the plurality of a verb.
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     2. The greater number; a majority; also, the greatest of
        several numbers; in elections, the excess of the votes
        given for one candidate over those given for another, or
        for any other, candidate. When there are more than two
        candidates, the one who receives the plurality of votes
        may have less than a majority. See {Majority}.
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              Take the plurality of the world, and they are
              neither wise nor good.                --L'Estrange.
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     3. (Eccl.) See {Plurality of benefices}, below.
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     {Plurality of benefices} (Eccl.), the possession by one
        clergyman of more than one benefice or living. Each
        benefice thus held is called a plurality. [Eng.]
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