arch

Multiple Entries:
  arch    -arch    arch-  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
arch1

▶noun

• 1 a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall.

  ■ an arch-shaped curve.

• 2 the inner side of the foot.

▶verb form or cause to form an arch.

– derivatives
arched adjective.

– origin ME: from OFr. arche, based on L. arcus ‘bow’.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
arch2

▶adjective self-consciously playful or teasing.

– derivatives
archly adverb,
archness noun.

– origin C17: from arch-, by assoc. with the sense ‘rogue’ in combinations such as arch-scoundrel.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
-arch /ɑːk/

▶combining form (forming nouns) denoting a ruler or leader: monarch.

– origin Gk arkhos ‘ruling’, from arkhein ‘to rule’.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
arch-/ɑːtʃ/

▶combining form chief; principal: archbishop.

■ pre-eminent of its kind: arch-enemy.

– origin via L. from Gk arkhi-, from arkhos ‘chief’.