Modus vivendi Modus vivendi Modus vivendi is a Latin phrase that means "mode of living" or “way of life”. It often is used to mean an arrangement or agreement that allows conflicting parties to coexist in peace. In science it is used to describe lifestyles. "Modus" means "mode", "way", "method", or "manner". "Vivendi" means "of living". The phrase is often used to describe informal and temporary arrangements in political affairs. For example, if two sides reach a "modus vivendi" regarding disputed territories, despite political, historical or cultural incompatibilities, an accommodation of their respective differences is established for the sake of contingency. In
Archbishopric of Bremen aristocracy", the service gentry, non-capitular "clergy", "free peasants" and burghers of chartered towns. The "modus vivendi" of interplay of the "Estates" and the archiepiscopal authority, being in itself divided into the "Prince-Archbishop" and the "Chapter", became the quasi constitution of the "Prince-Archbishopric". However, the interplay was not determined by fixed standards of behaviour. While the consecutive "Archbishops" worked on discarding the "bishopric's Estates" from the political landscape, the latter fought for the enforcement of the "modus vivendi" to become a real constitution. The "Chapter" often swung between increasing its influence by fighting the "Estates" jointly with the "Prince-Archbishop" and repelling