raree show

raree show
raree show "peep show contained in a box," 1680s, 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.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Raree-show — Rar ee show (r[^a]r [ e] sh[=o] ), n. [Contr. fr. rarity show.] A show carried about in a box; a peep show. Pope. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • raree show — [rer′ē] n. [< pronun. (by Savoyard showmen) of rare show] 1. a portable PEEP SHOW (sense 1) 2. any street show …   English World dictionary

  • raree show — rar′ee show [[t]ˈrɛər i[/t]] n. 1) peep show 2) a carnival or street show • Etymology: 1695–1705; allegedly imit. of a foreign pron. of rare show …   From formal English to slang

  • raree-show — n. 1 a show or spectacle. 2 a show carried about in a box; a peep show. Etymology: app. = rare show as pronounced by Savoyard showmen …   Useful english dictionary

  • raree-show — noun Etymology: alteration of rare show Date: 1684 a small display or scene viewed in a box ; peep show; broadly an unusual or amazing show or spectacle …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • raree show — /rair ee/ 1. See peep show. 2. a carnival or street show; spectacle. [1695 1705; allegedly imit. of a foreign pron. of rare show] * * * …   Universalium

  • raree show — /rair ee/ 1. See peep show. 2. a carnival or street show; spectacle. [1695 1705; allegedly imit. of a foreign pron. of rare show] …   Useful english dictionary

  • raree show — [ rɛ:ri:] noun archaic a form of street entertainment, especially one carried in a box, such as a peep show. Origin C17: appar. representing rare show, as pronounced by Savoyard showmen …   English new terms dictionary

  • raree-show — rar·ee show …   English syllables

  • raree show — noun A peepshow …   Wiktionary

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