What is "naumachy"

Naumachy \Nau"ma*chy\ (n[add]"m[.a]*k[y^]), n. [L. naumachia, Gr. naymachi`a; nay^s ship + ma`chh fight, battle, ma`chesqai to fight.]

1. A naval battle; esp., a mock sea fight put on by the ancient Romans.

2. (Rom. Antiq.) A show or spectacle representing a sea fight; also, a place for such exhibitions.

n. (context obsolete English) A place built to stage a mock sea-battle, or the show performed therein. (17th c.)

n. a naval spectacle; a mock sea battle put on by the ancient Romans [syn: naumachia]