pe·trar·chan I. \(ˈ)pē.|trärkən, (ˈ)pe.-, -rȧk- sometimes (ˈ)pā.-\adjective alsope·trar·chi·an\-kēən\ Usage: usually capitalized Etymology:Petrarch (Francesco Petrarca) died 1374 Italian poet + English -an : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Petrarch : imitative of the style or Petrarch II. noun (-s) Usage: usually capitalized : petrarchist