Cir·cus n.; pl. Circuses
 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.
 Note: ☞ The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators.
 2. A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
 3. Circuit; space; inclosure. [R.]
    The narrow circus of my dungeon wall.   --Byron.

 ◄ ►