ancient1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈeɪnʃ(ə)nt/

adjective

  • belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence: the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean
  • having been in existence for a very long time: ancient forests
  • humorous showing or feeling signs of age or wear: an ancient pair of jeans you make me feel ancient

noun

archaic or humorous
  • an old man: a solitary ancient in a tweed jacket

Phrases

the Ancient of Days

a biblical title for God.

the ancients

the people of ancient times, especially the Greeks and Romans of classical antiquity.
the classical Greek and Roman authors: a thorough knowledge of the ancients is a prerequisite of criticism

Derivatives

ancientness

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French ancien, based on Latin ante 'before'