(Ethos) In ancient Greek music, ethos designated the different characters of various modes. The Dorian was considered manly and strong; the Phrygian, ecstatic and passionate; the Lydian, feminine and lascivious; the Mixolydian, sad and mournful.

(Ethos) The constant, total character (as opposed to transient moods) of a person depicted in an opera (see pathos). [Greek ethos: custom or character.]