adj. & n.
--adj.
1. a Printing of the sloping kind of letters now used esp. for emphasis or distinction and in foreign words. b (of handwriting) compact and pointed like early Italian handwriting.
2 (Italic) of ancient Italy.
--n.
1. a letter in italic type.
2 this type.
Etymology: L italicus f. Gk italikos Italian (because introduced by Aldo Manuzio of Venice)