antiquity

Meaning

Noun

• Ancient times; faraway history; former ages
• The people of ancient times.
• An old gentleman.
• The historical period preceding the Middle Ages (c. 500-1500), primarily relating to European history.
• A relic or monument of ancient times, such as a coin, a statue, etc.; an ancient institution.
• The state of being ancient or of ancient lineage.

Origin

• From Middle English antiquyte, antiquite, antiquytee, a borrowing from Old French antiquité, antiquitet, from Latin antiquitas, from antiquus. Equivalent to antique + -ity. See antique, antic. Compare with French antiquité.