n. 1. An elaborate public dramatic presentation that usually depicts a historical or traditional event. 2. a. A spectacular procession or celebration, especially one involving costumed performers or contestants. b. A beauty contest. 3. A usually pompous or ostentatious display or sequence: "[She] looks on at the pageant of make-believe affections: mannered smiles, overblown handshakes" (Michael Lowenthal). [Middle English pagin, pagent, moveable stage for a mystery play, mystery play, alteration of Medieval Latin pāgina, probably from Latin, page; see pag- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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