hmmm
arcane [ɑːˈkeɪn]
adj
requiring secret knowledge to be understood; mysterious; esoteric
[from Latin arcānus secret, hidden, from arcēre to shut up, keep safe]
arcanely adv
arcaneness n

archaic [ɑːˈkeɪɪk]
adj
1. belonging to or characteristic of a much earlier period; ancient
2. out of date; antiquated an archaic prison system
3. (Linguistics) (of idiom, vocabulary, etc.) characteristic of an earlier period of a language and not in ordinary use
[from French archaïque, from Greek arkhaïkos, from arkhaios ancient, from arkhē beginning, from arkhein to begin]
archaically adv
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Thu 8 Apr 2010, 17:34, 1 reply)

would you not say
Old English from 7 or 8 centuries ago is now very esoteric?

"understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest"
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Thu 8 Apr 2010, 17:39, closed)

I would, but there's nothing secret about Middle English*, I learnt it at school.
If I'd had to join a cult to learn it, it would be arcane - as it is, it's merely archaic.

Incidentally, I remember you posting the sitting/sat one before and it's one I've stopped myself doing since. Thanks for that :)

*Chaucer wrote in Middle English, not Old English. That was before his time. I hate my pedantry sometimes.
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Thu 8 Apr 2010, 21:38, closed)

perhaps it was a typo
and slva meant old English (lolz).
( Sextant goes to him is emotionally erect, on this day, Fri 9 Apr 2010, 12:51, closed)