Definition: pageant

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

pageant
     n 1: an elaborate representation of scenes from history etc;
          usually involves a parade with rich costumes [syn: pageantry]
     2: a rich and spectacular ceremony [syn: pageantry]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Pageant \Pag"eant\, a.
   Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular. ``Pageant pomp.''
   --Dryden.
Pageant \Pag"eant\, v. t.
   To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic. [R.] ``He
   pageants us.'' --Shak.
Pageant \Pag"eant\ (p[a^]j"ent or p[=a]"jent; 277), n. [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.]
   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.