GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   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
   A theatrical exhibition; a spectacle. “A pageant truly played.” 
   Shak.
   
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   To see sad pageants of men's miseries.
   Spenser.
   
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   An elaborate exhibition devised for the entertainmeut of a distinguished personage, or of the public; a show, spectacle, or display.
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   The gaze of fools, and pageant of a day!
   Pope.
   
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   We love the man, the paltry pageant you.
   Cowper.
   
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2.       
   Pageant, a. Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular. “Pageant pomp.”
   Dryden.
   
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3.       
   Pageant, v. t. To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic. [R.] “He pageants us.” 
   Shak.
   
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