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Webster 1913 Edition

Classical

{

Clas′sic

(klăs′sĭk)
,

Clas′sic-al

, }
Adj.
[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
,
Noun.
]
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
.

Definition 2024

classical

classical

English

Adjective

classical ‎(comparative more classical, superlative most classical)

  1. Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.
    • Arbuthnot
      Mr. Greaves may justly be reckoned a classical author on this subject.
  2. Of or pertaining to established principles in a discipline.
    • 1992, Rudolf M. Schuster, The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America: East of the Hundredth Meridian, volume V, page vii
      Herbarium material does not, indeed, allow one to extrapolate safely: what you see is what you get; what you get is classical alpha-taxonomy which is, very largely and for sound reasons, in disrepute today.
  3. (music) Describing European music and musicians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
  4. (informal, music) Describing art music (rather than pop, jazz, blues etc), especially when played using instruments of the orchestra.
  5. Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, especially 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.
    • Macaulay
      He [Atterbury] directed the classical studies of the undergraduates of his college.
  6. Conforming to the best authority in literature and art; chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical style.
    • Macaulay
      Classical, provincial, and national synods.
  7. (physics) Pertaining to models of physical laws that do not take quantum or relativistic effects into account; Newtonian or Maxwellian.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Etymology

From classic, from Latin classicus (of the first class).

Pronunciation

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