[a. L. exhibitor, agent-n. f. exhibēre to EXHIBIT.]
1. One who shows (something) as a curiosity; a showman, one who produces in public a show or spectacle. Cf. EXHIBITER b.
1654. Gayton, Pleas. Notes, IV. xi. 245–6. The exhibitors of that shew politiquely had plac’d Whiflers arm’d and link’d through the Hall.
1814. Wordsw., Excursion, VIII. 29. The spectator, who a while was pleased More than th’ exhibitor himself.
a. 1845. Hood, Ode to J. Ireland, i. Oh, very reverend Dean and Chapter, Exhibitors of giant men.
1875. Buckland, Log-Bk., 19. The exhibitor told us a wonderful story.
2. One who contributes an article for public exhibition.
1845. Florist’s Jrnl., 205. The only exhibitor in the class for 12 species.
1851. Expositor, 11 Jan., 163/3. The hosts of exhibitors [at the Exhibition of 1851].
Hence Exhibitorship.
1862. Sat. Rev., XIV. 72/1. Medal and Honourable Mention become little more than a certificate of exhibitorship.
