mense means property, owndom; possessions. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 85 out of 100.
mense is pronounced /mɛns/.
Why “mense” is a great word
An innate sense of honor, grace, or dignified propriety, or the act of adorning something with that same quality. Its roots sink into the Old English *mennisċu* and Old Norse *menska*, both meaning "humanity" or "the human condition"—thus, to possess mense is to be most fully human. Unlike "decorum," which implies a formal, external code, or "adorn," which focuses on superficial ornamentation, mense is an internal compass of honor that elevates inherent worth. It is the unspoken courtesy in a shared glance, the honorable patina on a well-used tool, the quiet way a room is graced by a simple presence—the human spirit leaving its trace of worth upon the world.
Etymology
From earlier mensk, from Middle English menske (“courtesy, honour”), from Old English mennisċu (“the human condition, humanity”) and/or Old Norse menska (“humanity”). More at mennish, mensch.
noun
- Property, owndom; possessions.
- Decency; propriety; civility.“... But never a soul had the mense to come near them,[…]”
- A large amount.“There is not a mense of snow in "smoky Leeds,"”
verb
- To adorn, bring honour to; grace.