*plural*

n. (Gram.) The plural number; that form of a word which expresses or denotes more than one; a word in the plural form. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The quality or state of being plural, or in the plural number. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eccl.) The state of a pluralist; the holding of more than one ecclesiastical living at a time. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Eccl.) A clerk or clergyman who holds more than one ecclesiastical benefice. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Of the parochial clergy, a large proportion were pluralists. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Take the plurality of the world, and they are neither wise nor good. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Eccl.) See Plurality of benefices, below. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of pluralizing. H. Spencer. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Pluralized p. pr. & vb. n. Pluralizing ] 1. To make plural by using the plural termination; to attribute plurality to; to express in the plural form. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To multiply; to make manifold. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To take a plural; to assume a plural form; as, a noun pluralizes. Earle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eccl.) To hold more than one benefice at the same time. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Eccl.) A pluralist. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]