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Reference.org
Spectacle
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<p>In general, spectacle refers to an event that is memorable for the appearance it creates. Derived in <a href="/facts/Middle_English/dj1wHvwd">Middle English</a> from c. 1340 as "specially prepared or arranged display" it was borrowed from <a href="/facts/Old_French/QcRpPdAc">Old French</a> <i>spectacle</i>, itself a reflection of the <a href="/facts/Latin/pM3Kge85">Latin</a> <i>spectaculum</i> "a show" from <i>spectare</i> "to view, watch" frequentative form of <i>specere</i> "to look at." The word <i>spectacle</i> has also been a <a href="/facts/Term_of_art/eI6scBdF">term of art</a> in theater dating from the 17th century in English <a href="/facts/Drama/CGzetWvp">drama</a>. </p>