Arch

An architectural term found only in Ezek. 40:16, 21, 22, 26, 29. There is no absolute proof that the Israelites employed arches in their buildings. The arch was employed in the building of the pyramids of Egypt. The oldest existing arch is at Thebes, and bears the date B.C. 1350. There are also still found the remains of an arch, known as Robinson’s Arch, of the bridge connecting Zion and Moriah. (See TYROPOEON VALLEY.)

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Any part of a curved line.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge.

5. 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.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A chief. [Obs.] My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. Shak.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To form into an arch; to curve.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

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.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

1. A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).

2. A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend.