antiquary

[ an-ti-kwer-ee ]

noun

, plural an·ti·quar·ies.

1. an expert on or student of antiquities.
2. a collector of antiquities.

antiquary

/ ˈæntɪkwərɪ /

noun

1. a person who collects, deals in, or studies antiques, ancient works of art, or ancient times Also calledantiquarian

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiquary¹

1555–65; < Latin antīquārius a student of the past, equivalent to antīqu ( us ) ancient, old ( antique ) + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

One of Scott's novels is called The Antiquary.

From Literature

James, the English antiquary and ghost-story writer, to whose work I am devoted.

From Washington Post

Throughout this unusual biography, Scurr — hitherto best known for a delightful, quotation-rich account of the 17th-century antiquary and gossip John Aubrey — elegantly explores Napoleon’s inner Rousseau, the 18th-century philosopher who extolled nature and the simple life.

From Washington Post

James’s most chilling “ghost stories of an antiquary”: “The Ash-Tree” and “ ‘Oh, Whistle and I’ll Come to You, My Lad.’

From Washington Post

John Aubrey is another, an eccentric antiquary whose “Brief Lives” mixes deliciously scandalous gossip about 16th-century courtiers with accounts of fairies and philosophers and one memorable ghost who, when addressed, disappeared “with a curious Perfume and a most melodious Twang.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• connoisseur
• hobbyist