— spectacleless , adj. — spectaclelike , adj.
/spek"teuh keuhl/ , n.
1. anything presented to the sight or view, esp. something of a striking or impressive kind: The stars make a fine spectacle tonight.
2. a public show or display, esp. on a large scale: The coronation was a lavish spectacle.
3. spectacles . eyeglasses, esp. with pieces passing over or around the ears for holding them in place.
4. Often, spectacles .
a. something resembling spectacles in shape or function.
b. any of various devices suggesting spectacles, as one attached to a semaphore to display lights or different colors by colored glass.
5. Obs. a spyglass.
6. make a spectacle of oneself , to call attention to one's unseemly behavior; behave foolishly or badly in public: They tell me I made a spectacle of myself at the party last night.
[ 1300-50; ME spectaculum a sight, spectacle, deriv. of spectare, freq. of specere to look, regard. See -CLE 2 ]
Syn. 1. marvel, wonder, sight, show.