01 n. A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise…
pl.
Circuses ((#))
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1.
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.(Roman Antiq.)
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2.
A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
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3.
Circuit; space; inclosure.[R.]“The narrow circus of my dungeon wall.” — Byron.