spectacle

Definitions

• An exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc.
• An embarrassing or unedifying scene or situation.
• (usually) An optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light frame, and worn to assist sight, to obviate some defect in the organs of vision, or to shield the eyes from bright light.
• (figuratively) An aid to the intellectual sight.
• (obsolete) A spyglass; a looking-glass.
• The brille of a snake.
• (rail) A frame with different coloured lenses on a semaphore signal through which light from a lamp shines at night, often a part of the signal arm.