Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Classic?

\Clas"sic\, 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. Give, as thy last memorial to the age, One classic drama, and reform the stage. --Byron. Mr. Greaves may justly be reckoned a classical author on this subject [Roman weights and coins]. --Arbuthnot. 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. Though throned midst Latium's classic plains. --Mrs. Hemans. 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. He [Atterbury] directed the classical studies of the undergraduates of his college. --Macaulay. 3. Conforming to the best authority in literature and art; chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical style. Classical, provincial, and national synods. --Macaulay. {Classicals orders}. (Arch.) See under {Order}.
\Clas"sic\, n. 1. A work of acknowledged excellence and authority, or its author; -- originally used of Greek and Latin works or authors, but now applied to authors and works of a like character in any language. In is once raised him to the rank of a legitimate English classic. --Macaulay. 2. One learned in the literature of Greece and Rome, or a student of classical literature.