Pag"eant (?), n. [OE. pagent, pagen, originally, a movable scaffold or stage, hence, what was exhibited on it, fr. LL. pagina, akin to pangere to fasten; cf. L. pagina page, leaf, slab, compaginare to join together, compages a joining together, structure. See Pact, Page of a book.]
1.
A theatrical exhibition; a spectacle.
"A
pageant truly played."
Shak.
To see sad pageants of men's miseries.
Spenser.
2.
An elaborate exhibition devised for the entertainmeut of a distinguished personage, or of the public; a show, spectacle, or display.
The gaze of fools, and pageant of a day !
Pope.
We love the man, the paltry pageant you.
Cowper.
© Webster 1913.
Pag"eant, a.
Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular.
"
Pageant pomp."
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.
Pag"eant, v. t.
To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic.
[R.] "He
pageants us."
Shak.
© Webster 1913.