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

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

septenary septenaries

But on account of its customary pause after the fourth foot, it very early broke into two short lines of four and three stresses each, and thus the septenary couplet became the ballad stanza.

From The Principles of English Versification by Paull Franklin Baum

No number has ever been so universally in repute as the septenary.

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

After the same manner a man is completed in the second septenary of years, and is capable of learning what is good and evil, and of discipline therein.

From Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and Miscellanies by Plutarch

These are the literal meanings; the mystic meanings are very different, and among other things denote the septenary prismatic colours and other septenaries in nature.

From Simon Magus by George Robert Stow Mead

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 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

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

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

These are the literal meanings; the mystic meanings are very different, and among other things denote the septenary prismatic colours and other septenaries in nature.

From Simon Magus by George Robert Stow Mead