\Scene\, n. [L. scaena, scena, Gr. skhnh` a covered place,
a tent, a stage.]
1. The structure on which a spectacle or play is exhibited;
   the part of a theater in which the acting is done, with
   its adjuncts and decorations; the stage.
2. The decorations and fittings of a stage, representing the
   place in which the action is supposed to go on; one of the
   slides, or other devices, used to give an appearance of
   reality to the action of a play; as, to paint scenes; to
   shift the scenes; to go behind the scenes.
3. So much of a play as passes without change of locality or
   time, or important change of character; hence, a
   subdivision of an act; a separate portion of a play,
   subordinate to the act, but differently determined in
   different plays; as, an act of four scenes.
         My dismal scene I needs must act alone. --Shak.
4. The place, time, circumstance, etc., in which anything
   occurs, or in which the action of a story, play, or the
   like, is laid; surroundings amid which anything is set
   before the imagination; place of occurrence, exhibition,
   or action. ``In Troy, there lies the scene.'' --Shak.
         The world is a vast scene of strife.  --J. M. Mason.
5. An assemblage of objects presented to the view at once; a
   series of actions and events exhibited in their
   connection; a spectacle; a show; an exhibition; a view.
         Through what new scenes and changes must we pass!
                                               --Addison.
6. A landscape, or part of a landscape; scenery.
         A sylvan scene with various greens was drawn, Shades
         on the sides, and in the midst a lawn. --Dryden.
7. An exhibition of passionate or strong feeling before
   others; often, an artifical or affected action, or course
   of action, done for effect; a theatrical display.
         Probably no lover of scenes would have had very long
         to wait for some explosions between parties, both
         equally ready to take offense, and careless of
         giving it.                            --De Quincey.
{Behind the scenes}, behind the scenery of a theater; out of
   the view of the audience, but in sight of the actors,
   machinery, etc.; hence, conversant with the hidden motives
   and agencies of what appears to public view.

\Scene\, v. t.
To exhibit as a scene; to make a scene of; to display. [Obs.]
--Abp. Sancroft.