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.

The fragments, scraps, the bits and greasy relics.

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.

Thy relics, Rowe, to this fair urn we trust,
And sacred place by Dryden's awful dust.

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.

• Something old kept for sentimental reasons.
  
• (religion) A part of the body of a saint, kept for veneration.
  
• (religion) Soemthing that was owned by a saint.