Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Classic \Clas"sic\, Classical \Clas"sic*al\, a. [L. classicus
   relating to the classes of the Roman people, and especially
   to the frist class; hence, of the first rank, superior, from
   classis class: cf. F. classique. See {Class}, n.]
   1. Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in
      literature or art.

            Give, as thy last memorial to the age, One classic
            drama, and reform the stage.          --Byron.

            Mr. Greaves may justly be reckoned a classical
            author on this subject [Roman weights and coins].
                                                  --Arbuthnot.

   2. Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, esp. to
      Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the
      period when their best literature was produced; of or
      pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and
      Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds.

            Though throned midst Latium's classic plains. --Mrs.
                                                  Hemans.

            The epithet classical, as applied to ancient
            authors, is determined less by the purity of their
            style than by the period at which they wrote.
                                                  --Brande & C.

            He [Atterbury] directed the classical studies of the
            undergraduates of his college.        --Macaulay.

   3. Conforming to the best authority in literature and art;
      chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical style.

            Classical, provincial, and national synods.
                                                  --Macaulay.

   {Classicals orders}. (Arch.) See under {Order}.

Source : WordNet®

classical
     adj 1: of or characteristic of a form or system felt to be of first
            significance before modern times [ant: {nonclassical}]
     2: of recognized authority or excellence; "the definitive work
        on Greece"; "classical methods of navigation" [syn: {authoritative},
         {definitive}]