‖ computus Hist.
(ˈkɒmpjuːtəs)
Also compotus.
[late L. computus calculation, etc., f. computāre to compute. In F. comput, OF. compot, compost: see compost n.2, compot.]
1. A computation, a reckoning; an account.
| 1848 Bliss ed. Wood's Life 127 note, In a computus made in 1576 of the contents of the university chest. 1866 E. Peacock Eng. Ch. Furniture Introd. 10 The Compotus of the churchwardens of Saint Mary's, Stamford. 1887 North. Notes & Q. Dec. 140 In the public Record Office are the Compotuses of the Embassy. |
2. The mediæval name for a set of tables for practically calculating astronomical occurrences and the movable dates of the calendar; a calendar.
| 1832 De Quincey Charlemagne Wks. 1863 XII. 174 Charlemagne..was familiar with the intricate mathematics and the elaborate computus of Practical Astronomy. 1841 Wright Pop. Treat. Sc. 21 (tr. Ph. de Taun) The Computus to calculate..the termini and the claves and the annual festivals. 1862 Sat. Rev. 15 Mar. 310 The martyrology and computus of Herrand of Landsperg. |