Main Entry: ¹clas·sic

Pronunciation: \ˈkla-sik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis

Date: circa 1604

1 a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value <classic literary works> b : traditional, enduring <classic designs> c : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year <a classic suit>
2 : of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
3 a : historically memorable <a classic battle> b : noted because of special literary or historical associations <Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates>
4 a : authentic, authoritative b : typical <a classic example of chicanery> <a classic error>
5 capitalized : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about a.d. 300–900