arch

Noun · Verb · Adjective
Synonyms: archwaycurvearccondescendingpatronizingpatronisingarch(a)impishimplikemischievouspixilatedprankish

WordNet 3.0

Noun (4)

  1. a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
  2. a curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially the inner sides of the feet)
  3. a passageway under a curved masonry construction“they built a triumphal arch to memorialize their victory”Synonyms: archway
  4. (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it

Verb (1)

  1. form an arch or curve“her back arches”“her hips curve nicely”Synonyms: curvearc

Adjective (3)

  1. (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescensionSynonyms: condescendingpatronizingpatronising
  2. expert in skulduggery“an arch criminal”Synonyms: arch(a)
  3. naughtily or annoyingly playful“teasing and worrying with impish laughter”“a wicked prank”Synonyms: impishimplikemischievouspixilatedprankishpuckishwicked
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Arch \Arch\, n. [See Arch-, pref.] A chief. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

-arch \-arch\ [Gr. 'archo`s chief, commander, 'a`rchein to rule. See Arch, a.] A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler). [1913 Webster]
Arch \Arch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Arched ([aum]rcht); p. pr. & vb. n. Arching.]

1.To cover with an arch or arches. [1913 Webster]

2.To form or bend into the shape of an arch. [1913 Webster]

The horse arched his neck.— Charlesworth.[1913 Webster]
Arch \Arch\, v. i. To form into an arch; to curve. [1913 Webster]
Arch \Arch\ ([aum]rch), n. [F. arche, fr. LL. arca, for arcus. See Arc.]

1.(Geom.) Any part of a curved line. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Note: Scientifically considered, the arch is a means of spanning an opening by resolving vertical pressure into horizontal or diagonal thrust. [1913 Webster]

3.Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge. [1913 Webster]

4.Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta. "Colors of the showery arch." --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Triumphal arch, a monumental structure resembling an arched gateway, with one or more passages, erected to commemorate a triumph. [1913 Webster]

Arch- \Arch-\ ([aum]rch-, except in archangel and one or two other words). [L. arch-, Gr. 'arch- = 'archi-. See Arch-.] A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend. [1913 Webster]
Arch \Arch\ ([aum]rch), a. [See Arch-, pref.]

1.Chief; eminent; greatest; principal. [1913 Webster]

The most arch act of piteous massacre.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad. [1913 Webster]

[He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.— Tatler.[1913 Webster]
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