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Webster 1913 Edition

Pageant

Pag′eant

(păj′ent or pā′jent; 277)
,
Noun.
[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.]
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.
pa'jent. [L. pegma; Gr. something showy carried in triumph.]
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.

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