Ancientry – Definition & Meaning

The term “ancientry” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a rich history and meaning. This article will explore the definition and meaning of ancientry, its origins, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.

Definitions

Ancientry is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being ancient, or the people or things that are ancient. It can also refer to the nobility or aristocracy of a society, especially one that traces its lineage back to ancient times.

Origin

The word ancientry comes from the Old French word “ancestrie,” which means “ancestry” or “lineage.” It is derived from the Latin word “antecessor,” which means “predecessor” or “ancestor.” The word has been in use since the 15th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The Oxford English Dictionary defines ancientry as “the state or quality of being ancient; ancient lineage or descent.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “ancient lineage or nobility.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the people or things that are ancient, or the quality of being ancient.”

Associations

Ancientry is often associated with the nobility or aristocracy of a society, especially one that traces its lineage back to ancient times. It can also be associated with ancient artifacts, buildings, and cultures.

Synonyms

Synonyms of ancientry include antiquity, ancestry, lineage, nobility, aristocracy, and heritage.

Antonyms

Antonyms of ancientry include modernity, youth, newness, and innovation.

The same root words

The same root words as ancientry include ancestor, ancestry, antecedent, and antiquity.

Example Sentences

1. The ancientry of the royal family can be traced back to the 10th century.
2. The museum’s collection of ancientry includes artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome.
3. The town’s ancientry is evident in its historic buildings and cobblestone streets.
4. The nobility of the ancientry were known for their extravagant lifestyles and lavish parties.
5. The ancientry of the Mayan civilization is still being discovered through archaeological excavations.