I. ˈkla-sik adjective
Etymology: French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis
Date: circa 1604
1.
a. : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value
classic literary works
b. : traditional , enduring
classic designs
c. : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year
a classic suit
2. : of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
3.
a. : historically memorable
a classic battle
b. : noted because of special literary or historical associations
Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
4.
a. : authentic , authoritative
b. : typical
a classic example of chicanery
a classic error
5. capitalized : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about A.D. 300-900
II. noun
Date: 1711
1. : a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
2.
a. : a work of enduring excellence ; also : its author
b. : an authoritative source
3. : a typical or perfect example
4. : a traditional event
a football classic