Cir·cus n.; pl. Circuses
1. Roman Antiq. 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.
Note: ☞ The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators.
2. A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
3. Circuit; space; inclosure. [R.]
The narrow circus of my dungeon wall. --Byron.
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