\Re*nais`sance"\ (F. re-n[asl]`s[aum]Ns"; E.
r[-e]-n[=a]s"sans), n. [F., fr. rena[^i]tre to be born again.
Cf. {Renascence}.]
A new birth, or revival. Specifically:
(a) The transitional movement in Europe, marked by the
    revival of classical learning and art in Italy in the
    15th century, and the similar revival following in other
    countries.
(b) The style of art which prevailed at this epoch.
          The Renaissance was rather the last stage of the
          Middle Ages, emerging from ecclesiastical and
          feudal despotism, developing what was original in
          medi[ae]val ideas by the light of classic arts and
          letters.                             --J. A.
                                               Symonds
                                               (Encyc.
                                               Brit.).