Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Plurality
Plu-ral′i-ty
,Noun.
pl.
pluralities
(#)
. [L.
pluralitas
: cf. F. pluralité
.] 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.
(Eccl.)
See
Plurality of benefices
, below. 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.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Plurality
PLURAL'ITY
,Noun.
1.
A number consisting of two or more of the same kind; as a plurality of gods; a plurality of worlds.2.
A state of being or having a greater number.3.
In elections, a plurality of votes is when one candidate has more votes than any other, but less than half of the whole number of votes given. It is thus distinguished from a majority, which is more than half of the whole number.4.
Plurality of benefices, is where the same clerk is possessed of more benefices than one, with cure of souls. In this case, each benefice thus held is called a plurality.