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pageant
The definition of a pageant is a beauty contest or is an elaborate form of entertainment consisting of historical scenes and colorful costumes.
(noun)- The Miss America beauty contest is an example of a pageant.
- A performance of plays from the Renaissance and other entertainment acts is an example of a pageant.
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See pageant in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- Historical
- an individual scene in a medieval mystery play
- any of a series of movable outdoor platforms on which a mystery play was performed
- a spectacular exhibition, elaborate parade, etc., as a procession with floats
- an elaborate drama, often staged outdoors, celebrating a historical event or presenting the history of a community
- empty pomp or display; mere show
Origin: ME pagent (with unhistoric -t) < earlier pagyn < Anglo-L pagina, scene displayed on a stage, stage < L, page
See pageant in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- An elaborate public dramatic presentation that usually depicts a historical or traditional event.
- A spectacular procession or celebration.
- Colorful showy display; pageantry or pomp.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English pagin, pagent, moveable stage for a mystery play, mystery play
Origin: , alteration of Medieval Latin pāgina
Origin: , probably from Latin, page; see pag- in Indo-European roots
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