ˈspektə̇kəl, -tēk- also -ˌtik- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin spectaculum, from spectare to look at, watch, view, freq. of specere to look at, catch sight of — more at spy
1.
a. : something exhibited to view ; usually : something exhibited as unusual and notable : a remarkable or noteworthy sight : an impressive display especially for entertainment
b. : an object of curiosity or contempt especially by reason of silly or inappropriate behavior
made a spectacle of herself at the party
c.
(1) : a public display appealing or intended to appeal to the eye by its mass, proportions, color, or other dramatic qualities
a great dramatic spectacle
a naval spectacle
the opening spectacle of a circus
(2) : a motion picture employing massively impressive scenery and much crowd action, usually set in past time, and commonly dealing with a historical or religious theme
2. : a means of viewing or observing: as
a. obsolete : an object of glass (as a window or mirror)
b.
(1) obsolete : an aid to vision (as a spyglass)
(2) : glass 2b(2) ; especially : glasses that are supported by the ears as distinguished from goggles or pince-nez — usually used in plural and often with pair
a new pair of spectacles
3. : any of various things felt to resemble a pair of glasses: as
a. spectacles plural : a colored marking on an animal either in the form of a double loop (as on the spectacled cobra) or of rings about the eyes (as on some birds)
b. : a frame containing the red and green lights of a railroad semaphore
c. : a device with two handles used to move well-boring tools
d. spectacles plural , Britain : a cricketer's score of nothing in each of his two innings in a single match : pair of spectacles