Apparition \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)