Ap`pa*ri"tion (#), n. [F. apparition, L. apparitio, fr. apparere. See Appear.]
1.
The act of becoming visible; appearance; visibility.
Milton.
The sudden apparition of the Spaniards.
Prescott.
The apparition of Lawyer Clippurse occasioned much speculation in that portion of the world.
Sir W. Scott.
2.
The thing appearing; a visible object; a form.
Which apparition, it seems, was you.
Tatler.
3.
An unexpected, wonderful, or preternatural appearance; a ghost; a specter; a phantom.
"The heavenly bands . . . a glorious
apparition."
Milton.
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
That shapes this monstrous apparition.
Shak.
4. Astron.
The first appearance of a star or other luminary after having been invisible or obscured; -- opposed to occultation.
Circle of perpetual apparition. See under Circle.
© Webster 1913.