'Spectacle' definitions:

Definition of 'spectacle'

From: WordNet
noun
Something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight); "the tragic spectacle of cripples trying to escape"
noun
An elaborate and remarkable display on a lavish scale
noun
A blunder that makes you look ridiculous; used in the phrase `make a spectacle of' yourself

Definition of 'Spectacle'

From: GCIDE
  • Spectacle \Spec"ta*cle\, n. [F., fr. L. spectaculum, fr. spectare to look at, to behold, v. intens. fr. specere. See Spy.]
  • 1. Something exhibited to view; usually, something presented to view as extraordinary, or as unusual and worthy of special notice; a remarkable or noteworthy sight; a show; a pageant; a gazingstock. [1913 Webster]
  • O, piteous spectacle? O, bloody times! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A spy-glass; a looking-glass. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • Poverty a spectacle is, as thinketh me, Through which he may his very friends see. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. pl. An optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light frame, and worn to assist sight, to obviate some defect in the organs of vision, or to shield the eyes from bright light. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. pl. Fig.: An aid to the intellectual sight. [1913 Webster]
  • Shakespeare . . . needed not the spectacles of books to read nature. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Show; sight; exhibition; representation; pageant. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'spectacle'

From: Moby Thesaurus