Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Arch?

\Arch\, n. [F. arche, fr. LL. arca, for arcus. See {Arc}.] 1. (Geom.) Any part of a curved line. 2. (Arch.) (a) Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed. (b) A flat arch is a member constructed of stones cut into wedges or other shapes so as to support each other without rising in a curve. Note: Scientifically considered, the arch is a means of spanning an opening by resolving vertical pressure into horizontal or diagonal thrust. 3. Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge. 4. Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta. ``Colors of the showery arch.'' --Milton. {Triumphal arch}, a monumental structure resembling an arched gateway, with one or more passages, erected to commemorate a triumph.
\Arch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Arched}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Arching}.] 1. To cover with an arch or arches. 2. To form or bend into the shape of an arch. The horse arched his neck. --Charlesworth.
\Arch\, v. i. To form into an arch; to curve.
\Arch-\ (["a]rch-, except in archangel and one or two other words). [L. arch-, Gr. ?. See {Arch-}.] A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend.
\Arch\ (["a]rch), a. [See {Arch-}, pref.] 1. Chief; eminent; greatest; principal. The most arch act of piteous massacre. --Shak. 2. Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad. [He] spoke his request with so arch a leer. --Tatler.
\Arch\, n. [See {Arch-}, pref.] A chief. [Obs.] My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. --Shak.
\-arch\ [Gr. 'archo`s chief, commander, 'a`rchein to rule. See {Arch}, a.] A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).