Meaning
Having lasted from a remote period; having been of long duration; of great age, very old.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English auncyen, from Old French ancien, from Vulgar Latin *anteānus, composed of Latin ante (“before”) + -ānus (adjective-forming suffix). The non-etymological excrescent /t/ is by analogy with the common ending -ent.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
modern
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 8 recorded puzzles: