Os`ten*ta"tion (?), n. [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 1913.

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