relique

2 definitions found

relique - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Relic \Rel"ic\ (r?l"?k), n. [F. relique, from L. reliquiae, pl.,
     akin to relinquere to leave behind. See Relinquish.]
     [Formerly written also relique.]
     1. That which remains; that which is left after loss or
        decay; a remaining portion; a remnant. --Chaucer. Wyclif.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The relics of lost innocence.         --Kebe.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The fragments, scraps, the bits and greasy relics.
                                                    --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The body from which the soul has departed; a corpse;
        especially, the body, or some part of the body, of a
        deceased saint or martyr; -- usually in the plural when
        referring to the whole body.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              There are very few treasuries of relics in Italy
              that have not a tooth or a bone of this saint.
                                                    --Addison.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Thy relics, Rowe, to this fair urn we trust,
              And sacred place by Dryden's awful dust. --Pope.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Hence, a memorial; anything preserved in remembrance; as,
        relics of youthful days or friendships.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The pearls were spilt;
              Some lost, some stolen, some as relics kept.
                                                    --Tennyson.
        [1913 Webster]

  Relique \Re*lique"\ (r?-l?k"), n. [F.]
     See Relic. --Chaucer.
     [1913 Webster]