Cir"cus (?), n.; pl. Circuses (#). [L. circus circle, ring, circus (in sense 1). See Circle, and cf. Cirque.]
1. Roman Antiq.
A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through the middle by a barrier around which the track or course was laid out. It was used for chariot races, games, and public shows.
⇒ The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators.
Harpers' Latin Dict.
2.
A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
3.
Circuit; space; inclosure.
[R.]
The narrow circus of my dungeon wall.
Byron.
© Webster 1913.