spectātĭo, ōnis, f. [specto], 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.