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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Spectacle \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.
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O, piteous spectacle? O, bloody times! --Shak.
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2. A spy-glass; a looking-glass. [Obs.]
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Poverty a spectacle is, as thinketh me,
Through which he may his very friends see.
--Chaucer.
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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.
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4. pl. Fig.: An aid to the intellectual sight.
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Shakespeare . . . needed not the spectacles of books
to read nature. --Dryden.
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Syn: Show; sight; exhibition; representation; pageant.
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