Archaism

An archaism is an obsolete word, form or turn of phrase that has fallen out of active use and been replaced by modern synonyms, but which designates concepts still existing today: lanity (archaic for 'cheeks'), desnytsia ('right hand'), hlas ('voice'). Unlike historicisms, which have disappeared along with the realia they named, archaisms have modern equivalents and are therefore perceived as stylistically marked. In literature archaisms fulfil important functions: they reproduce the colouring of a past age, lend speech solemnity and elevation or, conversely, an ironic shade, stylise the text as ancient writing. Archaisms were widely used in historical prose, spiritual and civic poetry. The study of archaisms belongs to historical lexicology and the stylistics of artistic speech.