ANCIENT Copy link • ANCIENT 1. vetus (opposed to novus: what has existed for a long time, whether we are speaking in praise or blame): vetustus (old, as an epithet of praise. The comparative vetustior is also regularly used as comparative to vetus): antiquus; very ancient, perantiquus (existing in old times: παλαιός, opposed to recens). (The words are found in this connection and order), vetus et antiquus: priscus (old, primitive: as a solemn word conveying the accessory notion of the sacred respect due to antiquity: ἀπχαῖος. Cascus had the same meaning, but was obsolete in the time of the best prose writers). (The words are found in this connection and order), priscus et vetustus; vetus et priscus; priscus et antiquus: pristinus (existing at a former time: whereas antiquus, priscus denote a time long past): vetulus (of a person considerably advanced in years): veteratus, more commonly inveteratus (having obtained a firm hold by reason of its age; e.g., inveteratum ulcus; malum: amicitia): antiquo artificio factus, antiqui operis (made long ago: of works of art): obsoletus (gone by, out of fashion). (The words are found in this connection and order), antiquus et obsoletus. The ancient writers, antiqui scriptores (inasmuch as they flourished at a distant age): veteres (inasmuch as they have influenced mankind for 2000 years). An ancient family, genus antiquum: ancient customs, pristini mores: ancient severity, prisca severitas: an ancient and hereditary custom, mos a patribus acceptus: ancient rites or nsetges, caerimoniae a vetustate acceptae: ancient institutions, vetera et prisca instituta: the ancient constitution, prisca reipublicae forma: a pattern of ancient integrity, priscae probitatis et fidei exemplar; homo antiqua virtute et fide: an ancient history, historia vetus et antiqua. Ancient days, i. e., the good old time, vetus or prior aetas. To put anything on its ancient footing, aliquid in pristinum restituere. The ancients, veteres; antiqui; prisci: also priores, superiores: if = our forefathers, majores. Vid: OLD. 2. substantive, Flag of a ship, insigne navis (Vid: Caes., B.C., 2, 6): vexillum (as the sign for attacking). Vid: FLAG. Flag-bearer, signifer: vexillarius (not vexillifer).