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.
Hear it pronounced