Dictionary entry

Apparition

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ap′pa‐ri″tion (�), n. [F. apparition, L. apparitio, fr. apparere. See Appear.] 1. The act of becoming visible; appearance; visibility. Milton.

The sudden apparition of the Spaniards.

Prescott.

The apparition of Lawyer Clippurse occasioned much speculation in that portion of the world.

Sir W. Scott.

2. The thing appearing; a visible object; a form.

Which apparition, it seems, was you.

Tatler.

3. An unexpected, wonderful, or preternatural appearance; a ghost; a specter; a phantom. “The heavenly bands... a glorious apparition.” Milton.

I think it is the weakness of mine eyes

That shapes this monstrous apparition.

Shak.

4. (Astron.) The first appearance of a star or other luminary after having been invisible or obscured; — opposed to occultation.

Circle of perpetual apparition. See under Circle.