Ōs'ten-tā'tion, n.

n. [Lat. ostentatio, Fr. ostentation, Sp. ostentacion, It. ostentazione.] 1. The act of ostentating, or of making an ambitious display; unnecessary show; pretentious parade;—usually in a detractive sense. “Much ostentation vain, of fleshly arm.” Milton. He knew that good and bountiful minds are sometimes inclined to ostentation. Atterbury. 2. A show or spectacle. [Obs.] Shak. Syn.—Parade; pageantry; pomp; pompousness; vaunting; boasting. See PARADE.