archaism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an old-fashioned word, expression, spelling, grammatical form, custom, or stylistic feature no longer in ordinary use

   Methinks is a deliberate archaism in the otherwise modern dialogue.

2. 2
   noun

   the deliberate use or imitation of an older language, style, or artistic manner

   The poet's archaism gives the modern subject the tone of an ancient ballad.

From New Latin archaismus and Greek arkhaiismos, 'imitation of ancient speech or style,' from arkhaizein, 'to imitate the ancients,' and arkhaios, 'ancient.' The word can name either one old feature or the practice of adopting such features.

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