\Rel"ic\ (r?l"?k), n. [F. relique, from L. reliquiae, pl.,
akin to relinquere to leave behind. See {Relinquish}.]
[Formerly written also {relique}.]
1. That which remains; that which is left after loss or
   decay; a remaining portion; a remnant. --Chaucer. Wyclif.
         The relics of lost innocence.         --Kebe.
         The fragments, scraps, the bits and greasy relics.
                                               --Shak.
2. The body from which the soul has departed; a corpse;
   especially, the body, or some part of the body, of a
   deceased saint or martyr; -- usually in the plural when
   referring to the whole body.
         There are very few treasuries of relics in Italy
         that have not a tooth or a bone of this saint.
                                               --Addison.
         Thy relics, Rowe, to this fair urn we trust, And
         sacred place by Dryden's awful dust.  --Pope.
3. Hence, a memorial; anything preserved in remembrance; as,
   relics of youthful days or friendships.
         The pearls were spilt; Some lost, some stolen, some
         as relics kept.                       --Tennyson.