archness Definition

arch²
adj

1. Chief, principal.

Example: their arch enemy, the Penguin
Thesaurus: principal, chief, first, foremost, main, primary, major, greatest, highest, leading.
2. Most experienced.

Example: that arch crime writer, Jim Thompson
3. Cunning, knowing.

Example: gave an arch look
4. Self-consciously playful or coy.

Thesaurus: mischievous, roguish, waggish, wily, provocative, sly, frolicsome, playful.

Derivative: archly

See separate entry.

Derivative: archness
noun

Etymology: 17c: from arch- as in such combinations as ‘arch-villain'.