‖ decima
(ˈdɛsɪmə)
[L., for decima pars, tenth part, tithe, as a tax, offering, or largess.]
1. A tenth part; a tax of one-tenth, a tithe.
| c 1630 in Rushw. Hist. Coll. (1659) I. App. 14 Subsidies, Fifteens, and such like..are fit to be released..in recompence of the said Decima, which will yield your Maiesty more. 1811 Wellington in Gurw. Desp. VIII. 299 Giving up the new decima in order to obtain means of transport. |
2. Mus. a. The interval of a tenth. (Common in med.L. but rare in Eng.) b. An organ-stop sounding a tenth above the normal or 8-feet pitch; called also a double-tierce. rare.
| 1819 in Rees Cycl. XI. |