Category:Spectacle

Spec"ta*cle, n. Etym: [f., fr. L. spectaculum, fr. spectare to look At, to behold, v. intens. fr. specere. See spy.]

1. Something exhibited to view; usually, something presented to view As extraordinary, or as unusual and worthy of special notice; a Remarkable or noteworthy sight; a show; a pageant; a gazingstock. O, piteous spectacle o, bloody times! Shak.

2. A spy-glass; a looking-glass. [obs.] Poverty a spectacle is, as thinketh me, through which he may his very Friends see. Chaucer.

3. pl.

Defn: an optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light Frame, and worn to assist sight, to obviate some defect in the organs Of vision, or to shield the eyes from bright light.

4. pl.

Defn: fig.: An aid to the intellectual sight. Shakespeare. . . needed not the spectacles of books to read nature. Dryden.

Syn. -- show; sight; exhibition; representation; pageant.