Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MOD'ERN, a. [Fr. moderne; It. and Sp. moderno. This word seems to be formed from L. modo, and ern, which we find in other Latin words that have reference to time, as in hodiernus, hesternus.]

1. Pertaining to the present time, or time not long past; late; recent; not ancient or remote in past time; as, modern days, ages or time; modern authors; modern fashions; modern taste; modern practice. Bacon. Prior.
2. Common; mean; vulgar. [Not used.] Shake.