the period of European history between ancient and modern times, a.d. 476 - ca 1450. It began with the fall of Rome in the fifth century and ended with the Renaissance (the great revival of art, literature and learning in Europe in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries). The Middle Ages are associated with many beliefs and practices that now seem out of date. —3rd South African unpublished Appr GLS (19.3.92)