*circus*

n.; pl. Circuses [ L. circus circle, ring, circus (in sense 1). See Circle, and cf. Cirque. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100, 000 spectators. Harpers' Latin Dict. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Circuit; space; inclosure. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The narrow circus of my dungeon wall. Byron. [ 1913 Webster ]