Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

raree show

 - 4 dictionary results

raree show

  [rair-ee]
Use raree show in a Sentence
–noun
1. peep show.
2. a carnival or street show; spectacle.
Origin:
1695–1705; allegedly imit. of a foreign pron. of rare show
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To raree show
peep·show also peep show   (pēp'shō')   
n.  

  1. An exhibition of pictures or objects viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass. Also called raree show.

  2. A short pornographic film presentation seen usually in a small coin-operated projection booth.

rar·ee show   (râr'ē)   
n.  

  1. See peepshow.

  2. A street show.


[Alteration of rare1 + show.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

raree show 
"peep show contained in a box," c.1681, so called "in imitation of the foreign way of pronouncing rare show" [Johnson]. "Johnson's statement is prob. correct; the early exhibitors of peep-shows appear to have been usually Savoyards, from whom the form was no doubt adopted" [OED]. Early "peep shows" were more innocent than what usually is meant now by that word.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see raree show on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way