ethos

n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_; character. See Ethic. ] 1. The character, sentiment, or disposition of a community or people, considered as a natural endowment; the spirit which actuates manners and customs; also, the characteristic tone or genius of an institution or social organization. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. (esthetics) The traits in a work of art which express the ideal or typic character -- character as influenced by the ethos (sense 1) of a people -- rather than realistic or emotional situations or individual character in a narrow sense; -- opposed to pathos. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]