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Webster 1913 Edition
Ostentation
Osˊten-ta′tion
,Noun.
[L.
ostentatio
: cf. F. ostentation
.] 1.
The act of ostentating or of making an ambitious display; unnecessary show; pretentious parade; – usually in a detractive sense.
“Much ostentation vain of fleshly arm.” Milton.
He knew that good and bountiful minds were sometimes inclined to
ostentation
. Atterbury.
2.
A show or spectacle.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Syn. – Parade; pageantry; show; pomp; pompousness; vaunting; boasting. See
Parade
. Webster 1828 Edition
Ostentation
OSTENTA'TION
,Noun.
1.
Outward show or appearance.2.
Ambitious display; vain show; display of any thing dictated by vanity, or intended to invite praise or flattery. Ostentation of endowments is made by boasting or self-commendation. Ostentation often appears in works of art and sometimes in acts of charity.He knew that good and bountiful minds are sometimes inclined to ostentation.
The painter is to make no ostentation of the means by which he strikes the imagination.
3.
A show or spectacle. [Not used.]