An*tiq"ui*ty (#), n.; pl. Antiquities (#). [L. antiquitas, fr. antiquus: cf. F. antiquit'e. See Antique.]

1.

The quality of being ancient; ancientness; great age; as, a statue of remarkable antiquity; a family of great antiquity.

2.

Old age.

[Obs.]

It not your voice broken? . . . and every part about you blasted with antiquity? Shak.

3.

Ancient times; former ages; times long since past; as, Cicero was an eloquent orator of antiquity.

4.

The ancients; the people of ancient times.

That such pillars were raised by Seth all antiquity has vowed. Sir W. Raleigh.

5.

An old gentleman.

[Obs.]

You are a shrewd antiquity, neighbor Clench. B. Jonson.

6.

A relic or monument of ancient times; as, a coin, a statue, etc. ; an ancient institution. [In this sense, usually in the plural.]

"Heathen antiquities."

Bacon.

 

© Webster 1913.