an.ˈtikwəd.ē, aan-, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English antiquite, from Middle French antiquité, from Latin antiquitat-, antiquitas, from antiquus ancient + -itat-, -itas -ity — more at antique
1. : ancient times : times long since past : former ages especially when before the middle ages
Greek antiquity
Christian antiquity
2. : the quality of being ancient
a castle of great antiquity
3. antiquites plural
a. : relics or monuments of ancient times (as coins, statues, or buildings)
b. : matters relating to the life or culture of ancient times
the study of Germanic antiquities
4. : the people of ancient times
the records left by antiquity
5. obsolete
a. : old age
b. : an old man
you are a shrewd antiquity , neighbor — Ben Jonson