Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SHOW, n.

1. Superficial appearance; not reality. Mild heav'n / Disapproves that care, though wise in show. – Milton.
2. A spectacle; something offered to view for money. Addison.
3. Ostentatious display or parade. I envy none their pageantry and show. – Young.
4. Appearance as an object of notice. The city itself makes the noblest show of any in the world. – Addison.
5. Public appearance, in distinction from concealment; as, an open show.
6. Semblance; likeness. In show plebeian angel militant. – Milton.
7. Speciousness; plausibility. But a short exile must for show precede. – Dryden.
8. External appearance. And forc'd, at least in show, to prize it more. – Dryden.
9. Exhibition to view; as, a show of cattle, or cattle-show. – Agricult. Societies.
10. Pomp; magnificent spectacle. As for triumph; masks, feasts, and such shows … – Bacon.
11. A phantom; as, a fairy show. – Dryden.
12. Representative action; as, a dumb show. – Addison.
13. External appearance; hypocritical pretense. Who devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers. – Luke xx.