the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > conformity to or with a pattern, etc. > according to [preposition] (4)
Of reference to a standard generally = according to.
Used in various medieval Latin phrases, sometimes occurring in English contexts. secundum artem (= Greek κατὰ τὴν τέχνην): ‘according to art’…
= according, n. (in quot. 1593 quasi-prep. = ‘according to’).