[f. L. Arcadi-us (f. Gr. Ἀρκαδία a mountainous district in the Peloponnesus, taken as the ideal region of rural contentment) + -AN.] A. adj. Belonging to Arcadia; ideally rural or rustic. B. sb. An ideal rustic.
1590. T. Watson, Melib., 49. Let Arcadians altogether sing a woefull song.
1667. Milton, P. L., XI. 132. Charm’d with Arcadian pipe.
1759. Goldsm., Polite Learn., iv. The wits even of Rome are united into a rural group of nymphs and swains under the appellation of modern Arcadians.
1829. Southey, Ol. Newman, VI. Wks. X. 317. Peopling some Arcadian solitude With human angels.
