E"thos (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. &?;
character. See Ethic.] 1. The character,
sentiment, or disposition of a community or people, considered as a
natural endowment; the spirit which actuates manners and customs;
also, the characteristic tone or genius of an institution or social
organization.
2. (Æsthetics) The traits in a
work of art which express the ideal or typic character -- character as
influenced by the ethos (sense 1) of a people -- rather than
realistic or emotional situations or individual character in a narrow
sense; -- opposed to pathos.
E"thos (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. &?;
character. See Ethic.] 1. The character,
sentiment, or disposition of a community or people, considered as a
natural endowment; the spirit which actuates manners and customs;
also, the characteristic tone or genius of an institution or social
organization.
2. (Æsthetics) The traits in a
work of art which express the ideal or typic character -- character as
influenced by the ethos (sense 1) of a people -- rather than
realistic or emotional situations or individual character in a narrow
sense; -- opposed to pathos.
