[cir.cus] n, often attrib [L, circle, circus--more at circle] (14c) 1 a: a large arena enclosed by tiers of seats on three or all four sides and used esp. for sports or spectacles (as athletic contests, exhibitions of horsemanship, or in ancient times chariot racing) b: a public spectacle
2. a: an arena often covered by a tent and used for variety shows usu. including feats of physical skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns b: a circus performance c: the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circus d: something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity, sensationalism, theatricality, or razzle-dazzle) 3 a obs: circle, ring b Brit: a usu. circular area at an intersection of streets -- cir.cusy adj