antiquarian

[ an-ti-kwair-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. pertaining to antiquaries or to the study of antiquities.
2. of, dealing in, or interested in old or rare books.

noun

1. an antiquary.
2. a size of drawing and writing paper, 31 × 53 or 29 × 52 inches.

antiquarian

/ ˌæntɪˈkwɛərɪən /

adjective

1. concerned with the study of antiquities or antiques

noun

1. the largest size of handmade drawing paper, 53 × 31 inches
2. a less common name for antiquary

Derived Forms

• ˌantiˈquarianism, noun

Other Words From

• anti·quari·an·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiquarian¹

1600–10; < Latin antīquāri ( us ) ( antiquary ) + -an

Example Sentences

Vintage cookbooks are a curious subdivision of the thriving antiquarian trade.

From New York Times

The bookish antiquarians may be held in public affection, but they are not going to stop the Olympics' first ever fluvial overture.

From BBC

Michael Dawson is a third-generation Los Angeles bookseller from the celebrated antiquarian book and photography sellers.

From Los Angeles Times

In the mid-19th century, a British antiquarian named Sir Thomas Phillipps announced his intention of owning one copy of every book in the world.

From New York Times

Much of the site at Holm was damaged by antiquarians, without any records being made of what they found.

From BBC