pageant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an elaborate representation of scenes from history etc; usually involves a parade with rich costumes
    pageantry.
  2. noun a rich and spectacular ceremony
    pageantry.

WordNet

Pag"eant noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  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.
Pag"eant adjective
Definitions
  1. Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular. "Pageant pomp." Dryden.
Pag"eant transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic. R. "He pageants us." Shak.

Webster 1913