modus

noun

1. (obsolete)The arrangement of, or mode of expressing, the terms of a contract or conveyance.
2. 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, etc.
3. A fixed compensation or equivalent given instead of payment of tithes in kind, expressed in full by the phrase modus decimandi.

   “To make a good and sufficient modus, the following rules must be observed”

   “They, from time immemorial, had paid a modus, or composition.”

   “That there is and from time immemorial has been within that part of the parish called Mablethorpe St. Mary's a laudable custom that, if any outdweller take ancient pasture ground, he shall pay a modus of 4d. an acre, and so in proportion, on the 1st of August, in lieu of all manner of tithe; and that if any of the ancient pasture be once ploughed up or meadowed, it shall, when restored to pasture again, pay 4d. the acre in the hands of such outdweller.”