relic

The definition of a relic is something old that has survived.

(noun)

An old tool from ancient times is an example of a relic.

See relic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. an object, custom, etc. that has survived, wholly or partially, from the past
2. something that has historic interest because of its age and associations with the past, or that serves as a keepsake, or souvenir
remaining fragments; surviving parts; ruins
relict ()
Eccles. the body or a body part of, or some object associated with, a saint, martyr, etc., kept and reverenced as a memorial, as in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches

Origin: ME relike < OFr relique < L reliquiae, pl., remains < relinquere: see relinquish

See relic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Something that has survived the passage of time, especially an object or custom whose original culture has disappeared: “Corporal punishment was a relic of barbarism” (Cyril Connolly).
Something cherished for its age or historic interest.
An object kept for its association with the past; a memento.
An object of religious veneration, especially a piece of the body or a personal item of a saint.
or relics A corpse; remains.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English relik, object of religious veneration

Origin: , from Old French relique

Origin: , from Late Latin reliquiae, sacred relics

Origin: , from Latin, remains

Origin: , from reliquus, remaining

Origin: , from relinquere, relīqu-, to leave behind; see relinquish

Learn more about relic

relic synonyms

relic in a sentence

relic quotes

link/cite print suggestion box