\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.
         O, piteous spectacle? O, bloody times! --Shak.
2. A spy-glass; a looking-glass. [Obs.]
         Poverty a spectacle is, as thinketh me, Through
         which he may his very friends see.    --Chaucer.
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.
4. pl. Fig.: An aid to the intellectual sight.
         Shakespeare . . . needed not the spectacles of books
         to read nature.                       --Dryden.
Syn: Show; sight; exhibition; representation; pageant.