Stylistics
Archaism
An archaism is an obsolete word, form or turn of phrase that has fallen out of active use and been replaced by modern synonyms, but which designates concepts still existing today: lanity (archaic for 'cheeks'), desnytsia ('right hand'), hlas ('voice'). Unlike historicisms, which have disappeared along with the realia they named, archaisms have modern equivalents and are therefore perceived as stylistically marked. In literature archaisms fulfil important functions: they reproduce the colouring of a past age, lend speech solemnity and elevation or, conversely, an ironic shade, stylise the text as ancient writing. Archaisms were widely used in historical prose, spiritual and civic poetry. The study of archaisms belongs to historical lexicology and the stylistics of artistic speech.
Video
Compare “Archaism” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Both are obsolete words, but with a key difference. An archaism has a MODERN synonym, because the concept still exists (only the word is old-fashioned), so it is stylistically marked and serves solemnity or stylisation. A historicism has NO equivalent, because the reality itself has vanished (chain mail, serfdom), and is the only name of the departed object. The first is about the word; the second, about the vanished thing.
