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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Classic

Clās'sic or Clās'sic-al, a.

adjective

} a. [Fr. classique, It. classico, Sp. classico, from Lat. classicus, relating to the classes of the Roman people, and especially to the first class; hence, of the first rank, superior, from classis, class. See supra.]

Sense 1. Of the first class or rank; superior in dignity or authority; especially in literature or art; — originally and chiefly used of the best Greek and Roman writers, but also applied to the best modern authors or their works.

Sense 2. Pertaining to the Greeks and Latins, especially to Greek and Latin authors, or to places inhabited by the Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds. “Classic ground.” Addison.

He [Atterbury] directed the classical studies of the undergraduates of his college. Macaulay.

Sense 3. Conforming to the best authority in literature and art; chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical taste; a classical style.

Sense 4. (Eccl.) Pertaining to a classis. “A classical eldership.” Goodwin.

Clăs'sic, n.

noun

n. 1. A work of acknowledged excellence and authority; — commonly used of the Greek and Latin authors, but also applied to the best modern authors, and their works; as, to study the classics. It at once raised him to the rank of a legitimate English classic. Macaulay. 2. One learned in the classics.