Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
CLASSIC
I. adjective
Etymology: French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis
Date: circa 1604
1. serving as a standard of excellence ; of recognized value , traditional, enduring , characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year , of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture ; classical ,
3. historically memorable , noted because of special literary or historical associations ,
4. authentic , authoritative , typical , of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about A.D. 300-900,
II. noun
Date: 1711
a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome,
2. a work of enduring excellence, an authoritative source, a typical or perfect example, a traditional event