Circus
Circus , noun
[Latin circus circle, ring, circus (in sense 1). See Circle, and compare Cirque.]
1.
(Roman Antiquities) A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through the middle by a barrier around which the track or course was laid out. It was used for chariot races, games, and public shows.
The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators.
2.
A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
3.
Circuit; space; inclosure. [Rare]
The narrow circus of my dungeon wall.