ˈklæsɪk adj. & n. --adj. 1 a of
the first class; of acknowledged
excellence. b remarkably
typical; outstandingly
important (a classic case). 2 a of ancient
Greek and Latin literature, art, or
culture. b (of
style in art,
music, etc.)
simple,
harmonious, well-proportioned; in
accordance with established forms (cf. ROMANTIC). 3 having
literary or
historic associations (classic ground). 4 (of clothes)
made in a simple
elegant style
not much affected by changes in
fashion. --n. 1 a classic
writer,
artist,
work, or
example. 2 a an ancient Greek or Latin writer. b (in pl.) the
study of ancient Greek and Latin literature and
history. c
archaic a
scholar of ancient Greek and Latin. 3 a
follower of classic models (cf. ROMANTIC). 4 a
garment in classic style. 5 (in pl.)
Brit. the classic races. øclassic races Brit. the
five main flat races,
namely the
Two Thousand and the
One Thousand Guineas, the
Derby, the Oaks, and the St Leger. [F classique or L classicus f. classis class]
