Definition: moiety

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

moiety
     n 1: one of two (approximately) equal parts [syn: mediety]
     2: one of two basic subdivisions of a tribe

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Moiety \Moi"e*ty\, n.; pl. Moieties. [F. moiti['e], L.
   medietas, fr. medius middle, half. See Mid, a., and cf.
   Mediate, Mediety.]
   1. One of two equal parts; a half; as, a moiety of an estate,
      of goods, or of profits; the moiety of a jury, or of a
      nation. --Shak.

            The more beautiful moiety of his majesty's subject.
                                                  --Addison.

   2. An indefinite part; a small part. --Shak.