Ancience

/ˈeɪnʃəns/ noun

Definition

Archaic or poetic term for ancientry; the quality or state of being ancient; old age or antiquity.

Etymology

From Old French 'ancienneté,' related to 'ancien' (ancient). This form is largely obsolete, replaced by 'antiquity' or 'ancientness' in modern English.

Kelly Says

Ancience is a beautiful ghost word—poets and old texts used it, but it died out as English evolved, replaced by simpler terms like 'age' and 'antiquity.'

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