Circuses

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]