The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms - Ross Murfin 2018

Archaism

Archaism: A word, expression, or phrase that has become obsolete. Archaisms are sometimes used intentionally to evoke images, sensations, and attitudes associated with the past.

EXAMPLES: “Forsooth” for “in fact,” “thou” or “thee” for “you,” “wherefore” for “why,” “bloomers” for “undergarments,” “ice box” for “refrigerator,” “alienist” for “psychologist.” One can also loosely refer to an attitude as archaic. For example, the idea that a girl should not allow herself to be kissed on a first date is widely considered archaic in Western cultures.