The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Modus vivendi \Mo"dus vi*ven"di\ [L.]
   Mode, or manner, of living; hence, a temporary arrangement of
   affairs until disputed matters can be settled.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

modus vivendi
    n 1: a temporary accommodation of a disagreement between parties
         pending a permanent settlement
    2: a manner of living that reflects the person's values and
       attitudes [syn: life style, life-style, lifestyle,
       modus vivendi]