The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Modern \Mod"ern\, a. [F. moderne, L. modernus; akin to modo just
   now, orig. abl. of modus measure; hence, by measure, just
   now. See Mode.]
   1. Of or pertaining to the present time, or time not long
      past; late; not ancient or remote in past time; of recent
      period; as, modern days, ages, or time; modern authors;
      modern fashions; modern taste; modern practice. --Bacon.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. New and common; trite; commonplace. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            We have our philosophical persons, to make modern
            and familiar, things supernatural and causeless.
                                                  --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   Modern English. See the Note under English.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

Modern English
    n 1: English since about 1450