Definitions for: Arch


[n] (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
[n] a passageway under an arch
[n] a curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially arches of the feet)
[n] a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
[adj] (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
[v] form an arch



Webster (1913) Definition: Arch, n. [F. arche, fr. LL. arca, for arcus. See Arc.]
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.'' --Milton.

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


Arch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Arched; p. pr. & vb. n.
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. --Charlesworth.


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


Arch- (["a]rch-, except in archangel and one or two
other words). [L. arch-, Gr. ?. See Arch-.]
A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend.


Arch (["a]rch), a. [See Arch-, pref.]
1. Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.

The most arch act of piteous massacre. --Shak.

2. Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an
arch look, word, lad.

[He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.
--Tatler.


Arch, n. [See Arch-, pref.]
A chief. [Obs.]

My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. --Shak.


-arch [Gr. 'archo`s chief, commander, 'a`rchein to rule.
See Arch, a.]
A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).

Synonyms: arc, archway, condescending, curve, patronising, patronizing, superior

See Also: abutment arch, aqueduct, arcade, bend, bridge, broken arch, camber, camber arch, colonnade, construction, corbel arch, curve, curved shape, diminished arch, entrance, entranceway, entree, entry, entryway, flat arch, flex, four-centered arch, haemal arch, headstone, hemal arch, impost, instep, keystone, metatarsal arch, neural arch, pectoral arch, pier arch, pointed arch, proscenium arch, rampant arch, round arch, rowlock arch, safety arch, scheme arch, scoinson arch, sconcheon arch, shoulder girdle, shouldered arch, skeen arch, skeletal structure, skene arch, skew arch, span, springer, squinch, straight arch, structure, trimmer arch, triumphal arch, Tudor arch, vertebral arch, voussoir, wall

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