Definition of "acme"

The Latin tong, euen whan it was, as the Grecians say, in ακμη, that is, at the hiest pitch of all perfitenesse.

1570, Roger Ascham, The Scholemaster, f. 31

Eum.: Our Loves what are theyBut howerly Sacrifices, only wantingThe prease and tumult of Solemnity?If then i'th' heat and Achme of DevotionWe drink a new fiame in, can it be oughtBut to increase the Worship?

1651, William Cartwright, “The Lady Errant”, in Comedies Tragi-comedies with Other Poems

Ah, what a sight burst upon our astonished eyes as we gained its summit!It seemed the very acme of mountain glory in all the glories around us.

1891, George Edward Mannering, With Axe and Rope in the New Zealand Alps, Chapter VII, p. 71

The moment when a certain power reaches the acme of its supremacy.

1832, [Isaac Taylor], Saturday Evening. […], London: Holdsworth and Ball

The few words of advice she gave him as to escaping political embarrassments, struck him as the acme of wisdom, and as indicating an interest in his well-being of the kindest description;...

1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], “(please specify the page)”, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], pages 260–261

He must be one that can instruct your youth, And keep your acme in the state of truth

1625 (first performance), Ben[jamin] Jonson, The Staple of Newes. […], London: […] I[ohn] B[eale] for Robert Allot […], published 1631, (please specify the page), (please specify the scene number in lowercase Roman numerals)

The very acme and pitch of life for epic poesy.

1728, [Alexander Pope], “(please specify the page)”, in The Dunciad. An Heroic Poem. […], Dublin, London: […] A. Dodd