ARCH • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Arch

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/ɑrtʃ/ Listen

noun

Arch n.

1.

(Geom.) Any part of a curved line.

2.

(Arch.)

(a)

Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed.

(b)

A flat arch is a member constructed of stones cut into wedges or other shapes so as to support each other without rising in a curve. Note: Scientifically considered, the arch is a means of spanning an opening by resolving vertical pressure into horizontal or diagonal thrust.

3.

Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge.

4.

Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta. "Colors of the showery arch."

Triumphal arch, a monumental structure resembling an arched gateway, with one or more passages, erected to commemorate a triumph.

Arch n. A chief. (Obs.) "My worthy arch and patron comes to-night."

adjective

Arch adj.

1.

Chief; eminent; greatest; principal. "The most arch act of piteous massacre."

2.

Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad. "(He) spoke his request with so arch a leer."

verb

Arch v. t. (past & past part. arched; pres. part. arching)

1.

To cover with an arch or arches.

2.

To form or bend into the shape of an arch. "The horse arched his neck."

Arch v. i. To form into an arch; to curve.

See images of 'Arch'

Etymology of 'Arch'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Arch" Quotes from Famous Books

... to the churchyard there was an arch of flowers and evergreens, with an inscription in coloured letters: "God bless the happy pair." The sloping path going down as to a dell was strewn with ...

— The Manxman - A Novel - 1895 • Hall Caine

... grandeur. The walls were covered with soft arras embroidered in bright coloring skilfully blended. The rich furniture was designed for ease and comfort rather than pomp and parade. The chamber was lighted by a large window with broad casements between the mullions, and with flowing tracery above of arch and quatrefoil. ...

— In Doublet and Hose - A Story for Girls • Lucy Foster Madison

... learning to approach it with open mind; they sit down before it with reverent expectancy. The Bible has a right to this sympathetic treatment. It is not just like other books. Do not take my word for this; listen rather to the testimony of one who was known, while he was alive, as the arch-heretic of New England:— ...

— Who Wrote the Bible? • Washington Gladden

... Marguerite de Bourgogne, reproach me for THE CHASTITY OF MESSALINA." (This dear creature is the heroine of the play of "Caligula.") "It matters little to me. These people have but seen the form of my work: they have walked round the tent, but have not seen the arch which it covered; they have examined the vases and candles of the altar, but have not ...

— The Paris Sketch Book Of Mr. M. A. Titmarsh • William Makepeace Thackeray

... the woods! thou motley fool! Who shall thy gay buffoonery describe? Thine ever-ready notes of ridicule Pursue thy fellows still with jest and gibe. Wit—sophist—songster—Yorick of thy tribe, Thou sportive satirist of Nature's school, To thee the palm of scoffing we ascribe, Arch scoffer, and mad Abbot of Misrule! For such thou art by day—but all night long Thou pour'st a soft, sweet, pensive, solemn strain, As if thou didst in this, thy moonlight song, Like to the melancholy Jaques, complain, Musing on falsehood, violence, and ...

— Birds and Poets • John Burroughs

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