Curiosities

Curiosity \Cu`ri*os"i*ty\ (k[=u]`r[i^]*[o^]s"[i^]*t[y^]), n.;
   pl. {Curiosities} (-t[i^]z). [OE. curiouste, curiosite, OF.
   curioset['e], curiosit['e], F. curiosit['e], fr. L.
   curiositas, fr. curiosus. See {Curious}, and cf. {Curio}.]
   1. The state or quality or being curious; nicety; accuracy;
      exactness; elaboration. [Obs.] --Bacon.
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            When thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they
            mocked thee for too much curiosity.   --Shak.
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            A screen accurately cut in tapiary work . . . with
            great curiosity.                      --Evelin.
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   2. Disposition to inquire, investigate, or seek after
      knowledge; a desire to gratify the mind with new
      information or objects of interest; inquisitiveness.
      --Milton.
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   3. That which is curious, or fitted to excite or reward
      attention.
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            We took a ramble together to see the curiosities of
            this great town.                      --Addison.
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            There hath been practiced also a curiosity, to set a
            tree upon the north side of a wall, and, at a little
            hieght, to draw it through the wall, etc. --Bacon.
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