What does archaism mean?
A word or expression that is no longer commonly used, but is still found in literature or formal language. An archaism may be used to create a sense of formality, to evoke a particular atmosphere, or to add flavor to language.
Example
"The use of 'thou' and 'thee' in Shakespeare's plays is an example of archaism."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.