\Mo"dus\, n.; pl. {Modi}. [L. See {Mode}.] (Old Law)
1. The arrangement of, or mode of expressing, the terms of a
   contract or conveyance.
2. (Law) A qualification involving the idea of variation or
   departure from some general rule or form, in the way of
   either restriction or enlargement, according to the
   circumstances of the case, as in the will of a donor, an
   agreement between parties, and the like. --Bracton.
3. (Law) A fixed compensation or equivalent given instead of
   payment of tithes in kind, expressed in full by the phrase
   modus decimandi. --Blackstone.
         They, from time immemorial, had paid a modus, or
         composition.                          --Landor.
{Modus operandi}[L.], manner of operating.