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

plural

septenaries

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

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

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 Pike, Albert

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 Mackey, Albert G.

This is a rare instance of the use of the long septenary in nineteenth-century poetry.

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

Here the septenary is introduced in the May-day song of Ralph, the London apprentice, doubtless because of its popularity for such unliterary verse.

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

The second part stands for the fourth principle of the septenary man, as denoting the configuration of his knowledge or desires.*

From Five Years of Theosophy by Various