an antiquity that has survived from the distant past
"Archaeologists carefully excavated the ancient pottery shard, a relic of the civilization that lived thousands of years ago."
That which remains; that which is left after loss or decay; a remaining portion.
"After the storm destroyed most of the garden, only a few twisted oak branches remained as relics of what once stood there."
To cause (an object) to appear old or worn, to distress.
"The harsh winter wind acted as a relic on the wooden fence, stripping away its paint and leaving it splintered and gray."