Ar'chi-tĕct, n.

n. [Fr. architecte, Lat. architectus, and architecton, Gr. ἀρχιτέκτων, chief artificer, master-builder, from prefix ἀρχι, equiv. to Eng. arch, q. v., and τέκτων, workman.]

1. A person skilled in the art of building; one who understands architecture, or makes it his occupation to form plans and designs of buildings, and superintends the artificers employed.
2. A contriver; a former or maker.

They in whomsoever these virtues dwell eminently need not kings to make them happy, but are the architects of their own happiness. Milton.