n. An exhibition; exposure to sight or view; an open display; also, a thing looked at or to be looked at; a sight; a gazing-stock; a show; especially, a deplorable exhibition.n. Specifically, a public show or display for the gratification of the eye; something designed or arranged to attract and entertain spectators; a pageant; a parade: as, a royal or a religious spectacle; a military or a dramatic spectacle.n. A looking-glass; a mirror.n. A spyglass; a speculum.n. plural A pair of lenses set in a frame adjusted to the eyes, to correct or improve defective vision; also, sometimes, a similar frame with pieces of plain white or colored glass to protect the eyes from glare or dust: commonly called a pair of spectacles.n. plural Figuratively, visual aids of any kind, physical or mental; instruments of or assistance in seeing or understanding; also, instruments or means of seeing or understanding otherwise than by natural or normal vision or perception: as, rose-colored spectacles; I cannot see things with your spectacles.n. plural In zoology, a marking resembling a pair of spectacles, especially about the eyes: as, the spectacles of the cobra. See cut under cobra-de-capello.n. A form of spectacles having in each bow two half glasses differing in power or character; divided spectacles. See def. 5.n. plural Signal-glasses of varying color, held in a metal frame suggesting spectacles, to be moved in front of the lenses of signal-lights at night: usually of red and green if there are two. Also used, in the singular, for one frame with its colored glass.n. A frame with two bow-shaped handles for carrying well-boring tools.