Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pageant
Pag′eant
(păj′ent or pā′jent; 277)
, Noun.
1.
A theatrical exhibition; a spectacle.
“A pageant truly played.” Shak.
To see sad
pageants
of men’s miseries. Spenser.
2.
An elaborate exhibition devised for the entertainmeut of a distinguished personage, or of the public; a show, spectacle, or display.
The gaze of fools, and
pageant
of a day! Pope.
We love the man, the paltry
pageant
you. Cowper.
Pag′eant
,Adj.
Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular.
“Pageant pomp.” Dryden.
Pag′eant
,Verb.
T.
To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic.
[R.]
“He pageants us.” Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pageant
PAGEANT
,Noun.
1.
A statue in show, or a triumphal car, chariot, arch or other pompous thing, decorated with flags, &c. and carried in public shows and processions.2.
A show; a spectacle of entertainment; something intended for pomp. I'll play my part in fortune's pageant.
3.
Any thing showy, without stability or duration. Thus unlamented pass the proud away,
The gaze of fools, and pageant of a day.
Definition 2024
pageant
pageant
English
Alternative forms
- pageaunt (obsolete)
Noun
pageant (plural pageants)
- An elaborate public display, especially a parade in historical or traditional costume.
- A spectacular ceremony.
- A beauty pageant.
- An elaborate exhibition devised for the entertainment of a distinguished personage, or of the public; a show, spectacle, or display.
- 1826, Mary Shelley, The Last Man, volume 3, chapter 4
- For a few moments the events of the day floated in disastrous pageant through my brain, till sleep bathed it in forgetfulness [...]
- 1826, Mary Shelley, The Last Man, volume 3, chapter 4
Synonyms
- (elaborate public display): spectacle
- (beauty pageant): beauty pageant
Derived terms
Translations
public display
spectacular ceremony
|
beauty pageant — see beauty pageant
Verb
pageant (third-person singular simple present pageants, present participle pageanting, simple past and past participle pageanted)