an elaborate public spectacle illustrative of the history of a place, institution, or the like, often given in dramatic form or as a procession of colorful floats.
a costumed procession, masque, allegorical tableau, or the like forming part of public or social festivities.
a show or exhibition, especially one consisting of a succession of participants or events: a beauty pageant.
something comparable to a procession in colorful variety, splendor, or grandeur: the pageant of Renaissance history.
a pretentious display or show that conceals a lack of real importance or meaning.
(in medieval times) a platform or stage, usually moving on wheels, on which scenes from mystery plays were presented.
display or pageantry.
Obsolete. a stage bearing any kind of spectacle.
Origin of pageant
1350–1400; Middle English pagyn, pagaunt, pagand<Anglo-Latin pāgina a stage for plays, scene, platform, perhaps special use of Latin pāginapage1
Arguably the most famous of these pageant winners, however, was Miss Atomic Bomb 1957, Copa showgirl Lee Merlin, who wore fluffy cotton mushroom clouds attached to the front of her swimsuit while flashing a 1,000-watt smile.
The Beauty Pageants Inspired by the Atomic Bomb|Fiona Zublin|October 15, 2020|Ozy
Myerson herself appears to have bought into that stigma, offering mixed to negative views on the Miss America pageant.
Why Was Bess Myerson the First and Last Jewish Miss America?|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In 1995, Myerson made a point not to attend the 75th anniversary of the Miss America pageant.
Why Was Bess Myerson the First and Last Jewish Miss America?|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
She reluctantly agreed to make her grams happy, and participated in the Miss Universe Canada pageant, placing in the top 15.
The Making of Kiesza: From Navy Sharpshooter to Beauty Queen to Pop Diva|Marlow Stern|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Reform first came in 1935 when Lenora Slaughter was hired to re-invent the pageant as its new director.
There She Is! Deport the Miss America Pageant.|Amy Zimmerman|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The pageant came back to Atlantic City and, appropriately, took a big gamble.
The Real Housewives of Miss America|Kate Shindle|September 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was a very good example of how well the Belgians can manage a pageant, and how popular these shows are with the people.
Peeps At Many Lands: Belgium|George W. T. Omond
The pageant of autumn on our hills was 263 over, only an amethyst haze succeeding at sunset time.
The Idyl of Twin Fires|Walter Prichard Eaton
But the pageant of the Heavens is too vast, too overwhelming.
Astronomy for Amateurs|Camille Flammarion
The child appointed in the standing above named, to open the meaning of the said pageant, spake these words unto Her Grace.
An English Garner (4 of 8)|Various
The rest of the pageant belongs to the City and to North London.
South London|Sir Walter Besant
British Dictionary definitions for pageant
pageant
/ (ˈpædʒənt) /
noun
an elaborate colourful parade or display portraying scenes from history, esp one involving rich costume
any magnificent or showy display, procession, etc
Word Origin for pageant
C14: from Medieval Latin pāgina scene of a play, from Latin: page1