noun

1. Ancient times; faraway history; former ages

   "Cicero was an eloquent orator of antiquity."

2. The people of ancient times.

   "That such pillars were raised by Seth all antiquity has avowed. —Sir W. Raleigh."

3. An old gentleman.

   "You are a shrewd antiquity, neighbor Clench. —B. Jonson."

4. (history) The historical period preceding the Middle Ages (c. 500-1500), primarily relating to European history.

5. (often constructed as an uncountable plural) A relic or monument of ancient times, such as a coin, a statue, etc.; an ancient institution.

6. The state of being ancient or of ancient lineage.