attic

While there were no funny variations that we came up with on this one, my friend got in trouble for using that one on his mom.

At"tic (#), a. [L. Atticus, Gr. .]

Of or pertaining to Attica, in Greece, or to Athens, its principal city; marked by such qualities as were characteristic of the Athenians; classical; refined.

Attic base Arch., a peculiar form of molded base for a column or pilaster, described by Vitruvius, applied under the Roman Empire to the Ionic and Corinthian and "Roman Doric" orders, and imitated by the architects of the Renaissance. -- Attic faith, inviolable faith. -- Attic purity, special purity of language. -- Attic salt, Attic wit, a poignant, delicate wit, peculiar to the Athenians. -- Attic story. See Attic, n. -- Attic style, a style pure and elegant.

© Webster 1913.

At"tic, n. [In sense (a) from F. attique, orig. meaning Attic. See Attic, a.]

1. Arch. (a)

A low story above the main order or orders of a facade, in the classical styles; -- a term introduced in the 17th century. Hence:

A room or rooms behind that part of the exterior; all the rooms immediately below the roof.

2.

An Athenian; an Athenian author.

© Webster 1913.