arch

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. Note: 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. 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. To form into an arch; to curve. 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. A chief. [Obs.] My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. Shak. A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), United States public domain. See methodology for full licensing detail. Word validity for game play may differ from any official game dictionary.