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Webster 1913 Edition
Circus
Cir′cus
,Noun.
pl.
Circuses
(#)
. 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.
☞ The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators.
Harpers’ Latin Dict.
2.
A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
3.
Circuit; space; inclosure.
[R.]
The narrow
circus
of my dungeon wall. Byron.
Webster 1828 Edition
Circus
CIRCUS
, n.1.
In antiquity, a round or oval edifice, used for the exhibition of games and shows to the people. The Roman circus was encompassed with porticos, and furnished with rows of seats, rising one above another for the accommodation of spectators. The Circus Maximus was nearly a mile in circumference.2.
The open area, or space inclosed, in which were exhibited games and shows; as wrestling, fighting with swords, staves or pikes, running or racing, dancing, quoits, &c.3.
In modern times, a circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship.