classic

Definition

Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.

Etymology

From French classique, from Latin classic(us) (“relating to the classes of Roman citizenry, especially the highest”), from classis. By surface analysis, class + -ic. Piecewise doublet of classy.

Example Sentences

• "During the whole time of his abode in the university he generally spent thirteen hours of the day in study; by which assiduity besides an exact dispatch of the whole course of philosophy, he read over in a manner all classic authors that are extant[…]"
• "Give, as thy last memorial to the age, / One classic drama, and reform the stage."
• "He has a classic case of narcissism."