Scene \Scene\, n. [L. scaena, scena, Gr. skhnh` a covered place,
a tent, a stage.]
1. The structure on which a spectacle or play is exhibited;
the part of a theater in which the acting is done, with
its adjuncts and decorations; the stage.
2. The decorations and fittings of a stage, representing the
place in which the action is supposed to go on; one of the
slides, or other devices, used to give an appearance of
reality to the action of a play; as, to paint scenes; to
shift the scenes; to go behind the scenes.
3. So much of a play as passes without change of locality or
time, or important change of character; hence, a
subdivision of an act; a separate portion of a play,
subordinate to the act, but differently determined in
different plays; as, an act of four scenes.
My dismal scene I needs must act alone. --Shak.
4. The place, time, circumstance, etc., in which anything
occurs, or in which the action of a story, play, or the
like, is laid; surroundings amid which anything is set
before the imagination; place of occurrence, exhibition,
or action. ``In Troy, there lies the scene.'' --Shak.
The world is a vast scene of strife. --J. M. Mason.
5. An assemblage of objects presented to the view at once; a
series of actions and events exhibited in their
connection; a spectacle; a show; an exhibition; a view.
Through what new scenes and changes must we pass!
--Addison.
6. A landscape, or part of a landscape; scenery.
A sylvan scene with various greens was drawn, Shades
on the sides, and in the midst a lawn. --Dryden.
7. An exhibition of passionate or strong feeling before
others; often, an artifical or affected action, or course
of action, done for effect; a theatrical display.
Probably no lover of scenes would have had very long
to wait for some explosions between parties, both
equally ready to take offense, and careless of
giving it. --De Quincey.
Behind the scenes, behind the scenery of a theater; out of
the view of the audience, but in sight of the actors,
machinery, etc.; hence, conversant with the hidden motives
and agencies of what appears to public view.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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