Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1500-1600
Origin: arch- in such combinations as arch-rogue and arch-villain

arch

3 adjective
     
arch3
amused because you think you understand something better than other people:
'I think he's in for a surprise,' Ian said, in a somewhat arch tone.
—archly adverb
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
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