ethos
\E"thos\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ? 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.