n. 1 an object interesting because of its age or association. 2 a part of a deceased holy person's body or belongings kept as an object of reverence. 3 a surviving custom or belief etc. from a past age. 4 a memento or souvenir. 5 (in pl.) what has survived destruction or wasting or use. 6 (in pl.) the dead body or remains of a person.
[ ME relike, relique, etc. f. OF relique f. L reliquiae: see RELIQUIAE ]