I. (ˈ)an.|tēk, (ˈ)aan- adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin antiquus, anticus, from ante before — more at ante-
1. : existing since ancient or former times : among the oldest of its class
antique nations
2. : of or belonging to earlier periods : ancient
an antique philosopher
antique legends
ruins of an antique city
3. : exhibiting the style or fashion of ancient or former times : old-fashioned , archaic
antique manners
a mirror of antique design
4. of fabric : having an indistinct design woven, printed, or watered in imitation of ancient silks
5.
a. : embossed or impressed without ink, foil, or gold
an antique book cover
: blind 6d
b. : having the appearance of age : suggesting the crafts of an older period
antique decorations
Synonyms: see old
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : a relic or object of ancient times or of an earlier period than the present
b. : a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at a much earlier period than the present and according to United States customs laws at least 100 years old
2.
a. obsolete : a man of ancient times
b. : a person belonging to an older generation
a handsome antique — Wolcott Gibbs
3. : syrup 3
4. : a paper having a rough finish and often relatively great bulk — compare eggshell
III. transitive verb
( an·tiqued ; an·tiqued ; an·tiqu·ing ; antiques )
1. : to finish or refinish in antique style : give an appearance of age to
2. : to emboss or impress (lettering) without ink, foil, or gold
a book with antiqued backbone
IV. verb
intransitive verb
: to shop around for antiques