Attic

a. [Lat. Atticus, Gr. Ἀττικός.] Pertaining to Attica, in Greece, or to its principal city, Athens; marked by such qualities as were characteristic of the Athenians. Thus, Attic wit, Attic salt, a poignant, delicate wit, peculiar to the Athenians; an Attic style, a style pure, classical, and elegant; Attic faith, inviolable faith; Attic purity, special purity of language.

Attic base (Arch.), the base of a column, used in the Corinthian and Ionic orders, and by some architects in the Doric.—Attic story. See ATTIC, n.

n. [Fr. attique.] 1. (Arch.) (a.) A story in the upper part of a house, with small windows either in or above the cornice; also, frequently applied to the garret. (b.) A low order, commonly used over a principal order, and never ornamented with columns, but usually with antæ or small pilasters. Grec. 2. An Athenian; an Athenian author.