Arches

arch ¹  (ärch)

n.

1. A structure, especially one of masonry, forming the curved, pointed, or flat upper edge of an open space and supporting the weight above it, as in a bridge or doorway.

2. A structure, such as a freestanding monument, shaped like an inverted U.

3. A curve with the ends down and the middle up: the arch of a raised eyebrow.

4. Anatomy An organ or structure having a curved or bowlike appearance, especially either of two arched sections of the bony structure of the foot.

v. arched, arch·ing, arch·es

v.tr.

1. To provide with an arch: arch a passageway.

2. To cause to form an arch or similar curve.

3. To bend backward: The dancers alternately arched and hunched their backs.

4. To span: "the rude bridge that arched the flood" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

v.intr.

To form an arch or archlike curve: The high fly ball arched toward the stands.

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[Middle English, from Old French arche, from Vulgar Latin *arca, from Latin arcus.]

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arch ²  (ärch)

adj.

1. Chief; principal: their arch foe.

2. Mischievous; roguish: an arch glance.

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[From arch-.]

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archly adv.

archness n.

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Arches [ˈɑːtʃɪz]

pl n

(Christianity / Anglicanism)

Court of Arches Church of England the court of appeal of the Province of Canterbury, formerly held under the arches of Bow Church