septenary

American  

[sep-tuh-ner-ee] / ˈsɛp təˌnɛr i /

adjective

1. of or relating to the number seven or forming a group of seven.

2. septennial.

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noun

• septenaries
  plural

1. a group or set of seven.

2. a period of seven years.

3. the number seven.

4. Prosody. a line of seven feet.

septenary British  

/ ˈsɛptɪnərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to the number seven

2. forming a group of seven

3. another word for septennial

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noun

1. the number seven

2. a group of seven things

3. a period of seven years

4. prosody a line of seven metrical feet

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• septenaries
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of septenary

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin septēnārius “consisting of seven, containing seven,” equivalent to septēn(ī) “seven each” (derivative of sept(em) “seven” + -ēnī distributive suffix) + -ārius adjective suffix. See seven, -ary

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

septenary septenaries

The Egyptians made use of a septenary system in the arrangement of the grand gallery in the center of the great pyramid.

From Vestiges of the Mayas or, Facts Tending to Prove that Communications and Intimate Relations Must Have Existed, in very Remote Times, Between the Inhabitants of Mayab and Those of Asia and Africa by Augustus Le Plongeon

Every sound ought to have a septenary relation to the planes of consciousness, and the differentiations of life, force and matter on each.

From AE in the Irish Theosophist by George William Russell

The septenary division alone gives a reasonable theory consistent with the facts we have to deal with, and therefore, though it may seem elaborate, the student will do wisely to make himself familiar with it.

From Death—and After? by Annie Wood Besant

The numerous applications of the septenary confirmed the ancient sages in the use of this symbol.

From Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by Albert Pike

The septenary division of time into weeks of seven days, although not universal, as has been generally supposed, was sufficiently so to indicate the influence of the number.

From The Symbolism of Freemasonry by Albert G. Mackey

The poem opens with a septenary— "Tho Iesu Crist an eorthe was, mylde weren his dede;" and septenaries and alexandrines are used interchangeably.

From English Verse Specimens Illustrating its Principles and History by Raymond MacDonald Alden

We find, therefore, tumbling verse, alexandrines, septenaries, and intricate strophic forms, all commonly written with slight regard for syllable-counting principles.

From English Verse Specimens Illustrating its Principles and History by Raymond MacDonald Alden

Chapman's translation of Iliad is the longest modern English poem in septenaries.

From English Verse Specimens Illustrating its Principles and History by Raymond MacDonald Alden

In this play the alexandrine is the dominant measure, though mingled with occasional septenaries still.

From English Verse Specimens Illustrating its Principles and History by Raymond MacDonald Alden

The use of alexandrines and septenaries together, we have seen, was common even in the Middle English period, but not in regular alternation.

From English Verse Specimens Illustrating its Principles and History by Raymond MacDonald Alden

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