from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Relic \Rel"ic\ (r?l"?k), n. [F. relique, from L. reliquiae, pl.,
akin to relinquere to leave behind. See {Relinquish}.]
[Formerly written also {relique}.]
1. That which remains; that which is left after loss or
decay; a remaining portion; a remnant. --Chaucer. Wyclif.
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The relics of lost innocence. --Kebe.
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The fragments, scraps, the bits and greasy relics.
--Shak.
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2. The body from which the soul has departed; a corpse;
especially, the body, or some part of the body, of a
deceased saint or martyr; -- usually in the plural when
referring to the whole body.
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There are very few treasuries of relics in Italy
that have not a tooth or a bone of this saint.
--Addison.
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Thy relics, Rowe, to this fair urn we trust,
And sacred place by Dryden's awful dust. --Pope.
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3. Hence, a memorial; anything preserved in remembrance; as,
relics of youthful days or friendships.
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The pearls were spilt;
Some lost, some stolen, some as relics kept.
--Tennyson.
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