- Classic
- Classic Clas"sic (kl[a^]s"s[i^]k), Classical Clas"sic*al, a.
[L. classicus relating to the classes of the Roman people,
and especially to the frist class; hence, of the first rank,
superior, from classis class: cf. F. classique. See {Class},
n.]
1. Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in
literature or art.
[1913 Webster]
Give, as thy last memorial to the age, One classic drama, and reform the stage. --Byron. [1913 Webster]
Mr. Greaves may justly be reckoned a classical author on this subject [Roman weights and coins]. --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]
2. Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, esp. to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds. [1913 Webster]
Though throned midst Latium's classic plains. --Mrs. Hemans. [1913 Webster]
The epithet classical, as applied to ancient authors, is determined less by the purity of their style than by the period at which they wrote. --Brande & C. [1913 Webster]
He [Atterbury] directed the classical studies of the undergraduates of his college. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
3. Conforming to the best authority in literature and art; chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical style. [1913 Webster]
Classical, provincial, and national synods. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
{Classicals orders}. (Arch.) See under {Order}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.