ETYMOLOGY Middle English, from Anglo-French desplaier, desploier, literally, to unfold — more at deploy
DATE 14th century
transitive verb 1. a. to put or spread before the view display the flag b. to make evident displayed great skill c. to exhibit ostentatiously liked to display his erudition 2.obsolete:descry intransitive verb 1.obsolete:show off 2. to make a breeding display penguins displayed and copulated Synonyms:seeshow • dis·play·able \\-ˈsplā-ə-bəl\\ adjective
II
noun
USAGE often attributive
DATE 1665
1. a. (1) a setting or presentation of something in open view a fireworks display (2) a clear sign or evidence :exhibition a display of courage b. ostentatious show c. type, composition, or printing designed to catch the eye d. an eye-catching arrangement by which something is exhibited a display of artifacts — often used with on her early paintings are currently on display e. an electronic device (as a cathode-ray tube) that presents information in visual form; also: the visual information 2. a pattern of behavior exhibited especially by male birds in the breeding season