Circuses

Circuses
Circus Cir"cus, n.; pl. {Circuses}. [L. circus circle, ring, circus (in sense 1). See {Circle}, and cf. {Cirque}.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Roman Antiq.) A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through the middle by a barrier around which the track or course was laid out. It was used for chariot races, games, and public shows. [1913 Webster]

Note: The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators. --Harpers' Latin Dict. [1913 Webster]

2. A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage. [1913 Webster]

3. Circuit; space; inclosure. [R.] [1913 Webster]

The narrow circus of my dungeon wall. --Byron. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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