of or relating to the study of history; historical scholars; a historical perspective'

used of the study of a phenomenon (especially language) as it changes through time; diachronic linguistics

[ Syn: diachronic ]

having once lived or existed or taken place in the real world as distinct from being legendary; the historical Jesus; doubt that a historical Camelot every existed; actual historical events'

belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past; historic victories; historical (or historic) times; a historical character

[ Syn: historic ]