noun

1. a curved structure, as of masonry, that supports the weight of material over an open space, as in a bridge, doorway, etc.
2. any similar structure, as a monument
3. the form of an arch
4. anything shaped like an arch; specif., an archlike anatomical part the dental arch, arch of the foot, etc.

Etymology: ME < OFr arche < ML arca < L arcus, arch: see arc

transitive verb

1. to provide with an arch or arches
2. to cause to take the form of an arch; curve or bend
3. to span as an arch

intransitive verb

adjective

1. main; chief; principal the arch villain
2. clever; crafty
3. gaily mischievous; pert an arch look

Etymology: < arch-; with changed meaning because of use in archknave, archrogue

1. archaic
2. archipelago
3. architecture