Edit page | Page history | Printable version

plurality

Origin: L. Pluralitas.

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.

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. Take the plurality of the world, and they are neither wise nor good. (L'Estrange)

3. See Plurality of benefices, below. Plurality of benefices, the possession by one clergyman of more than one benefice or living. Each benefice thus held is called a plurality.