relique

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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]
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