Spec"ta*cle (?), n. [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. 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. Fig.: An aid to the intellectual
sight.
Shakespeare . . . needed not the spectacles of
books to read nature.
Dryden.
Syn. -- Show; sight; exhibition; representation;
pageant.
Spec"ta*cle (?), n. [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. 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. Fig.: An aid to the intellectual
sight.
Shakespeare . . . needed not the spectacles of
books to read nature.
Dryden.
Syn. -- Show; sight; exhibition; representation;
pageant.
