arch

Meanings

Noun

• An inverted U shape.
• An arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward.
• An architectural element having the shape of an arch
• Any place covered by an arch; an archway.
• An arc; a part of a curve.
• A natural arch-shaped opening in a rock mass.
• Curved part of the bottom of a foot.
• chief

Verb

• To form into an arch shape.
• To cover with an arch or arches.

Adjective

• knowing, clever, mischievous
• principal; primary

Origin

• From Middle English arch, arche, from Old French arche ("an arch") (French arche), a feminine form of arc, from Latin arcus ("a bow, arc, arch"). arc, and arco.
• From the prefix arch-. "Principal" is the original sense; "mischievous" is via onetime frequent collocation with rogue, knave, etc.