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(), n.[F. arche, fr. LL. arca, for arcus. See Arc.] 1. (Geom.) Any part of a curved line. 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. Scientifically considered, the arch is a means of spanning an opening by resolving vertical pressure into horizontal or diagonal thrust. 3. Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge. 4. 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. [Image] Arch v. t.[imp. & p. p.Arched (); p. pr. & vb. n.Arching.] 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. Arch v. i.To form into an arch; to curve. Arch (rch), a.[See Arch-, pref.] 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. Arch n.[See Arch-, pref.] A chief. [Obs.] My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. Shak. Arch- (rch-, except in archangel and one or two other words). [L. arch-, Gr. . See Arch-.] A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend. -arch (). [Gr. 'archo°s chief, commander, 'a°rchein to rule. See Arch, a.] A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler). スポンサード リンク
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