classical

{ } a. [ L. classicus relating to the classes of the Roman people, and especially to the frist class; hence, of the first rank, superior, from classis class: cf. F. classique. See Class, n. ] 1. Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art. [ 1913 Webster ]

Give, as thy last memorial to the age,
One classic drama, and reform the stage. Byron. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mr. Greaves may justly be reckoned a classical author on this subject [ Roman weights and coins ]. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, esp. to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds. [ 1913 Webster ]

Though throned midst Latium's classic plains. Mrs. Hemans. [ 1913 Webster ]

The epithet classical, as applied to ancient authors, is determined less by the purity of their style than by the period at which they wrote. Brande & C. [ 1913 Webster ]

He [ Atterbury ] directed the classical studies of the undergraduates of his college. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Conforming to the best authority in literature and art; chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical style. [ 1913 Webster ]

Classical, provincial, and national synods. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Classicals orders. (Arch.) See under Order. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A classical idiom, style, or expression; a classicism. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Adherence to what are supposed or assumed to be the classical canons of art. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who adheres to what he thinks the classical canons of art. Ruskin. [ 1913 Webster ]