adj. & n.
adj. 1 a of the first class; of acknowledged excellence. b remarkably typical; outstandingly important (a classic case). 2 a of ancient Greek and Latin literature, art, or culture. b (of style in art, music, etc.) simple, harmonious, well-proportioned; in accordance with established forms (cf. ROMANTIC). 3 having literary or historic associations (classic ground). 4 (of clothes) made in a simple elegant style not much affected by changes in fashion.
n. 1 a classic writer, artist, work, or example. 2 a an ancient Greek or Latin writer. b (in pl.) the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature and history. c archaic a scholar of ancient Greek and Latin. 3 a follower of classic models (cf. ROMANTIC). 4 a garment in classic style. 5 (in pl.) Brit. the classic races. classic races Brit. the five main flat races, namely the Two Thousand and the One Thousand Guineas, the Derby, the Oaks, and the St Leger.
[ F classique or L classicus f. classis class ]