Pag"eant (?), 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.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Pag"eant, a.

Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular.

"Pageant pomp."

Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.


Pag"eant, v. t.

To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic.

[R.] "He pageants us."

Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.