Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Spectacle \Spec"ta*cle\, n. [F., fr. L. spectaculum, fr.
   spectare to look at, to behold, v. intens. fr. specere. See
   {Spy}.]
   1. Something exhibited to view; usually, something presented
      to view as extraordinary, or as unusual and worthy of
      special notice; a remarkable or noteworthy sight; a show;
      a pageant; a gazingstock.

            O, piteous spectacle? O, bloody times! --Shak.

   2. A spy-glass; a looking-glass. [Obs.]

            Poverty a spectacle is, as thinketh me, Through
            which he may his very friends see.    --Chaucer.

   3. pl. 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.

   4. pl. Fig.: An aid to the intellectual sight.

            Shakespeare . . . needed not the spectacles of books
            to read nature.                       --Dryden.

   Syn: Show; sight; exhibition; representation; pageant.

Source : WordNet®

spectacle
     n 1: something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual
          sight); "the tragic spectacle of cripples trying to
          escape"
     2: an elaborate and remarkable display on a lavish scale
     3: a blunder that makes you look ridiculous; used in the phrase
        `make a spectacle of' yourself