I. ˈān(t)-shənt, ˈāŋ(k)-shənt adjective
Etymology: Middle English ancien, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin * anteanus, from Latin ante before — more at ante-
Date: 14th century
1. : having had an existence of many years
2. : of or relating to a remote period, to a time early in history, or to those living in such a period or time ; especially : of or relating to the historical period beginning with the earliest known civilizations and extending to the fall of the western Roman Empire in A.D. 476
3. : having the qualities of age or long existence: as
a. : venerable
b. : old-fashioned , antique
Synonyms: see old
• an·cient·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 1502
1. : an aged living being
a penniless ancient
2. : a person who lived in ancient times:
a. plural : the civilized people of antiquity ; especially : those of the classical nations
b. : one of the classical authors
Plutarch and other ancient s
3. : an ancient coin
III. noun
Etymology: alteration of ensign
Date: 1554
1. archaic : ensign , standard , flag
2. obsolete : the bearer of an ensign