Definitions

1. noun

the use of words or expressions that are no longer current or are characteristic of an earlier period in language.

“The use of ‘thou’ and ‘thee’ in the novel is an example of literary archaism.”

2. noun

a word or phrase that is no longer current or is characteristic of an earlier period in language.

“The word ‘whence’ is an archaism that is rarely used in modern language.”

3. noun

a preference for using words or expressions that are no longer current or are characteristic of an earlier period in language.

“The poet’s love of archaism added to the poem’s nostalgic feel.”