Arch /(ärch)/

Arch

n.
  1. Any part of a curved line. (Geom.)
  2. 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. (Arch.)
  3. Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge.
  4. Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta.

Phrases & Compounds
Triumphal arch
a monumental structure resembling an arched gateway, with one or more passages, erected to commemorate a triumph.

Arch

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Arched; p. pr. & vb. n. Arching

  1. To cover with an arch or arches.
  2. To form or bend into the shape of an arch.
    The horse arched his neck.
    — Charlesworth.

Arch

v. i.
  1. To form into an arch; to curve.

Arch

a.
  1. Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.
    The most arch act of piteous massacre.
  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.
  1. A chief. [Obs.]
    My worthy arch and patron comes to-night.