Thē'a-ter or Thē'a-tre, n.

n. [Fr. théâtre, It., Sp., & Pg. teatro, Lat. theatrum, Gr. Θέατρον, from θεάομαι, to see, view.]

1. Among the ancients, an edifice in which spectacles or shows were exhibited for the amusement of spectators.
2. In modern times, a house for the exhibition of dramatic performances, as tragedies, comedies, and farces; a playhouse, comprehending the stage, the pit, the boxes, galleries, and orchestra.
3. Among the Italians, an assemblage of buildings which, by a happy disposition and elevation, represents an agreeable scene to the eye.
4. Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performance before an assembly, as for public lectures, for scholastic exercises, for anatomical demonstrations or surgical operations before a class, and like purposes.
5. That which resembles a theater in form, use, and the like; a place rising by steps or gradations, like the seats of a theater.

*Shade above shade, a woody theater Of stateliest view. — Milton.* 6. A sphere or scheme of operation. [Obs. and rare.] For if a man can be partaker of God's theater, he shall likewise be partaker of God's rest. Bacon. 7. (Mil.) The scene or region of operations of an army.