antiquary

/ˈæntɪkw(ə)ɹi/

Etymology

From Latin antīquārius (“pertaining to antiquity, one fond of or employed in antiquities”), from antīquus (“ancient”) + -ārius; equivalent to antique + -ary.

antiquary means Relating to antiquity. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 80 out of 100.

Why this word is great

ANTIQUARY — [Noun, Adjective] A person who studies or collects antiquities, or pertaining to such objects or pursuits. From Latin antīquārius, from antīquus ("ancient, old") + -ārius (suffix forming agent nouns and adjectives). Unlike the antiquarian, with its whiff of professional methodology, or the historian, who weaves narrative from events, the antiquary is a votive attuned to the silent, physical witness of things. It is the chill of a Roman coin fresh from the soil resting in a palm, the careful brushing of dust from a broken sherd, and the exact must of vellum in a forgotten deed—a curator of quiet endings, forever piecing together a story that has already happened, in the tacit understanding that one is, oneself, becoming an antiquity.

adj

Relating to antiquity.“Instructed by the antiquary times.”

noun

A person who is knowledgeable of, or who collects antiques (especially one holding an official position); an antiquarian.
An aficionado or student of antiquities, ancient artifacts, historic sites, ancient writings, or relics of the past.“The sound of the bubbling water grew more distinct, as the ear became accustomed to its music: it reminded him of one very like it in Etheringhame Park. Both might have made the delight of either antiquary or poet.”