I.a looking, beholding, contemplation of a thing, a sight, view (rare but class.).
I. Lit.
A. In gen., absol.: homo ad artificem suum (deum) spectat: quam spectationem Trismegistus θεωρίαν rectissime nominavit, Lact. 7, 9 med.: “apparatūs spectatio,” Cic. Fam. 7, 1, 2: “animum levare spectatione,” id. Att. 13, 44, 2.—Plur.: “quae scenicis moribus ad spectationes populo comparantur,” Vitr. 10 praef.—*
B. In partic., an examining, proving, testing of money: “pecuniae,” Cic. Verr. 2, 3, 78, § 181.—*
II. Trop., respect, regard, consideration: “Macedonicum bellum nomine amplius quam spectatione gentis fuit,” Flor. 2, 7, 3.