Pageant | n. [ OE. pagent, pagen, originally, a movable scaffold or stage, hence, what was exhibited on it, fr. LL. pagina, akin to pangere to fasten; cf. L. pagina page, leaf, slab, compaginare to join together, compages a joining together, structure. See Pact, Page of a book. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. A theatrical exhibition; a spectacle. “A pageant truly played.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] To see sad pageants of men's miseries. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. An elaborate exhibition devised for the entertainmeut of a distinguished personage, or of the public; a show, spectacle, or display. [ 1913 Webster ] The gaze of fools, and pageant of a day! Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] We love the man, the paltry pageant you. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ] |
Pageantry | n. Scenic shows or spectacles, taken collectively; spectacular quality; splendor. [ 1913 Webster ] Such pageantry be to the people shown. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] The pageantry of festival. J. A. Symonds. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Pomp; parade; show; display; spectacle. [ 1913 Webster ] |