Circus (?), n.; pl. Circuses (#). [L. circus circle, ring, circus (in sense 1). See Circle, and cf. Cirque.]
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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.
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&hand_; The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators. Harpers' Latin Dict.
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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.]
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The narrow circus of my dungeon wall. Byron.
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