An*tiq"ui*ty (#), n.; pl. Antiquities (#). [L. antiquitas, fr. antiquus: cf. F. antiquit'e. See Antique.]
1.
The quality of being ancient; ancientness; great age; as, a statue of remarkable antiquity; a family of great antiquity.
2.
Old age.
[Obs.]
It not your voice broken? . . . and every part about you blasted with antiquity?
Shak.
3.
Ancient times; former ages; times long since past; as, Cicero was an eloquent orator of antiquity.
4.
The ancients; the people of ancient times.
That such pillars were raised by Seth all antiquity has vowed.
Sir W. Raleigh.
5.
An old gentleman.
[Obs.]
You are a shrewd antiquity, neighbor Clench.
B. Jonson.
6.
A relic or monument of ancient times; as, a coin, a statue, etc. ; an ancient institution. [In this sense, usually in the plural.]
"Heathen
antiquities."
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.