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whether in private, as by conversation, etc., or in public, by performances of some kind; amusement. Theatrical entertainments conducted with greater elegance and refinement. Prescott.

xercise; to use action or exertion; to practice gymnastics; as, to exercise for health or amusement. I wear my trusty sword, When I do exercise. Cowper.

; the power of readily and happily creating and recalling such objects for the purpose of amusement, wit, or embellishment; imagination. In the soul Are many lesser faculties, that serve Reason as chief. Among these fancy next Her office holds. Milton.

An amusement device consisting of a giant power-driven steel wheel, revolvable on its stationary axle, and carrying a number of balanced passenger cars around its rim; -- so called after G. W. G. Ferris, American engineer, who erected the first of its kind for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.…

Sport; merriment; frolicsome amusement. "Oddity, frolic, and fun." Goldsmith. To make fan of, to hold up to, or turn into, ridicule.

A contest, physical or mental, according to certain rules, for amusement, recreation, or for winning a stake; as, a game of chance; games of skill; field games, etc. But war's a game, which, were their subject wise, Kings would not play at. Cowper.

pons in public, either on the occasion of a funeral ceremony, or in the arena, for public amusement.

ard up, closely pressed by want or necessity; without money or resources; as, hard up for amusements. [Slang]

A day of exemption from labor; a day of amusement and gayety; a festival day. And young and old come forth to play On a sunshine holiday. Milton.

Alluring; tempting; as, an inviting amusement or prospect. Nothing is so easy and inviting as the retort of abuse and sarcasm. W. Irving. -- In*vit"ing*ly, adv. -- In*vit"ing*ness, n. Jer. Taylor.

To play tricks by sleight of hand; to cause amusement and sport by tricks of skill; to conjure.

lination; desire; pleasure; preference; -- often with for, formerly with to; as, it is an amusement I have no liking for. If the human intellect hath once taken a liking to any doctrine, . . . it draws everything else into harmony with that doctrine, and to its support. Bacon.

Inclined to wild sports; delighting in rash, absurd, or dangerous amusements. "The merry madcap

Any revolving contrivance for affording amusement; esp., a ring of flying hobbyhorses.

of instrumental musicians performing in a theater, concert hall, or other place of public amusement.

That which amuses, and serves to make time pass agreeably; sport; amusement; diversion.

To engage in sport or lively recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot. As Cannace was playing in her walk. Chaucer. The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day, Had he thy reason, would he skip and play! Pope. And some, the darlings of their Lord, Play smiling with the flame and sword. Keble.…

A companion in amusements or sports; a playmate. Shak.

Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; -- opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc. "Not sunk in carnal pleasure." Milton. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man. Prov. xxi. 17. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. 2 Tim. iii…

inable by the many; hence, cheap; common; ordinary; inferior; as, popular prices; popular amusements. The smallest figs, called popular figs, . . . are, of all others, the basest and of least account. Holland.