Webster's English Dictionary

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relic

rel.ic \'rel-ik\ n [ME relik, fr. OF relique, fr. ML reliquia, fr. LL 
   reliqui]ae, pl., remains of a martyr, fr. L, remains, fr. relinquere to 
   leave behind - more at RELINQUISH 1a: an object esteemed and venerated 
   because of association with a saint or  martyr 1b: SOUVENIR, MEMENTO  pl  
   2: REMAINS, CORPSE  3: something left behind after decay, disintegration, 
   or disappearance  4: a trace of some past or outmoded practice, custom, or 
   belief : VEST IGE