Sçēne1, n.
(seen), n. [Fr. scène, Sp. escena, It. & Lat. scena, from Gr. σκηνή, a covered place, a tent, a stage.]
Sense 1. The structure on which a spectacle or play is exhibited; the part of a theater in which the acting is done, with its adjuncts and decorations; stage.
Sense 2. The decorations and fittings of a stage, representing the place in which the action is supposed to go on; one of the slides, hangings, or other devices, used to give an appearance of reality to the action of a play; as, to paint scenes; to shift the scenes; to go behind the scenes.
Sense 3. So much of a play as passes without change of locality or time, or important change of character; hence, a subdivision of an act; a separate portion of a play, subordinate to the act, but differently determined in different plays; as, an act of four scenes.
Sense 4. The place, time, circumstances, &c., in which any thing is imagined to occur, or where the action of a story, play, poem, or the like, is laid; surroundings amid which any thing is set before the imagination; place of occurrence, exhibition, or action.
In Troy lies the scene. Shak.
Sense 5. An assemblage of objects presented to the view at once; series of actions and events exhibited in their connection; spectacle; show; exhibition; view.
A charming scene of nature is displayed. Dryden.
Sense 6. A dramatic or striking exhibition of passionate feeling, or an interview, or the like, regarded as something done or performed for the interest of lookers-on; often, an artificial or affected action, or course of action, done for effect; a theatrical display.
My dismal scene I needs must act alone. Shak.
Probably no lover of scenes would have had very long to wait for some explosions between parties, both equally ready to take offense, and careless of giving it. De Quincey.