arch-

Arch- (ärch-, except in archangel and one or two other words). Etym: [L. arch-, Gr. Arch-.] Defn: A prefix signifying chief, as in archbuilder, archfiend. Arch, a. Etym: [See Arch-, pref.] 1. Chief; eminent; greatest; principal. The most arch act of piteous massacre. Shak. 2. Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad. [He] spoke his request with so arch a leer. Tatler. Arch, n. Etym: [See Arch-, pref.] Defn: A chief. [Obs.] My worthy arch and patron comes to-night. Shak. *arch. Etym: [Gr. Arch, a.] Defn: A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).

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