Category:Attic

At"tic, a. Etym: [L. Atticus, Gr.

Defn: Of or pertaining to Attica, in Greece, or to Athens, its principal city; marked by such qualities as were characteristic of the Athenians; classical; refined. Attic base (Arch.), a peculiar form of molded base for a column or pilaster, described by Vitruvius, applied under the Roman Empire to the Ionic and Corinthian and "Roman Doric" orders, and imitated by the architects of the Renaissance.

-- Attic faith, inviolable faith.

-- Attic purity, special purity of language.

-- Attic salt, Attic wit, a poignant, delicate wit, peculiar to the Athenians.

-- Attic story. See Attic, n.

-- Attic style, a style pure and elegant.

At"tic, n. Etym: [In sense (a) from F. attique, orig. meaning Attic. See Attic, a.]

1. (Arch.) (a) A low story above the main order or orders of a facade, in the classical styles; -- a term introduced in the 17th century. Hence: (b) A room or rooms behind that part of the exterior; all the rooms immediately below the roof.

2. An Athenian; an Athenian author.