classic

Definitions

1. 1.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.
2. 2.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.
3. 3.A work of acknowledged excellence and authrity, 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.
4. 4.One learned in the literature of Greece and Rome, or a student of classical literature.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "classic" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is classic.

• What is 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 called?
• What is one learned in the literature of Greece and Rome, or a student of classical literature called?