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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Arch \Arch\, n. [See {Arch-}, pref.]
A chief. [Obs.]
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My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. --Shak.
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-arch \-arch\ [Gr. 'archo`s chief, commander, 'a`rchein to rule.
See {Arch}, a.]
A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).
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Arch \Arch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Arched} ([aum]rcht); p. pr. &
vb. n. {Arching}.]
1. To cover with an arch or arches.
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2. To form or bend into the shape of an arch.
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The horse arched his neck. --Charlesworth.
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Arch \Arch\, v. i.
To form into an arch; to curve.
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Arch \Arch\ ([aum]rch), n. [F. arche, fr. LL. arca, for arcus.
See {Arc}.]
1. (Geom.) Any part of a curved line.
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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.
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Note: Scientifically considered, the arch is a means of
spanning an opening by resolving vertical pressure into
horizontal or diagonal thrust.
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3. Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into
the arch of a bridge.
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4. Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the
aorta. "Colors of the showery arch." --Milton.
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{Triumphal arch}, a monumental structure resembling an arched
gateway, with one or more passages, erected to commemorate
a triumph.
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Arch- \Arch-\ ([aum]rch-, except in archangel and one or two
other words). [L. arch-, Gr. 'arch- = 'archi-. See {Arch-}.]
A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend.
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Arch \Arch\ ([aum]rch), a. [See {Arch-}, pref.]
1. Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.
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The most arch act of piteous massacre. --Shak.
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2. Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an
arch look, word, lad.
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[He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.
--Tatler.
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