Plu*ral"i*ty (?), 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.
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.
Take the plurality of the world, and they are
neither wise nor good.
L'Estrange.
3. (Eccl.) See Plurality of
benefices, below.
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.]
