ar|cha|ic

ar|cha|ic «ahr KAY ihk», adjective.

1. no longer used in ordinary language. The words “in sooth” and “me-thinks” have become archaic.

2. old-fashioned; out-of-date: »

Grandfather's spats and Grandmother's buttoned shoes are archaic forms of dress today. The railroads contend that the present work rules are archaic (New York Times).

SYNONYM(S): antiquated.

3. ancient: »

Archaic statues were dug up from the ruins of old Greek cities.

╂[< Greek archāïkós < archaîos ancient < arch a beginning]

–ar|cha´i|cal|ly, adverb.

Usage Archaic words or meanings survive in certain special contexts, as that of law, or special styles, as that of the Scriptures, or are used by modern writers to give an old-fashion flavor to writing.

Ar|cha|ic «ahr KAY ihk», noun, adjective. Anthropology.

–n.

the oldest culture or series of cultures of a region.

–adj.

of or belonging to such a culture or cultures: »

Archaic peoples.