What does "pageant" mean?

Pageant: An elaborate exhibition devised for the entertainmeut of a distinguished personage, or of the public; a show, spectacle, or display. The gaze of fools, and pageant of a day ! Pope. We love the man, the paltry pageant you. Cowper.

Additional senses

  1. 2.Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular. "Pageant pomp." Dryden.
  2. 3.To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic. [R.] "He pageants us." Shak.

Sources