A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Modus vacandi is a Latin term used in historical legal contexts to refer to the manner of vacating. It was commonly used to determine the circumstances under which a vassal surrendered an estate to a lord.

Example: In feudal times, a vassal who wished to relinquish his estate to his lord had to do so in a specific manner. This involved a formal ceremony in which the vassal would present the lord with a symbol of his authority, such as a sword or a ring, and declare his intention to surrender the estate. This was known as the modus vacandi.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the modus vacandi was used in a specific historical context to regulate the transfer of property from a vassal to a lord. The ceremony was a formal and symbolic act that ensured the transfer was done in a proper and recognized manner.