Ob*serv"a*to*ry (?), n.; pl. Observatories (#). [Cf. F. observatoire.]
1. A place or building for making observations on the heavenly bodies.
The new observatory in Greenwich Park.
Evelyn.
2. A building fitted with instruments for making systematic
observations of any particular class or series of natural phenomena.
3. A place, as an elevated chamber, from which a view may be observed
or commanded.
4. (Mil.) A lookout on a flank of a battery whence an officer can note
the range and effect of the fire. Farrow.
Ob*serve" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Observed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Observing.] [L. observare, observatum; ob (see Ob-) + servare to save,
preserve, keep, heed, observe: cf.F. observer. See Serve.] 1. To take
notice of by appropriate conduct; to conform one's action or practice
to; to keep; to heed; to obey; to comply with; as, to observe rules or
commands; to observe civility.
Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread.
Ex. xii. 17.
He wolde no such cursedness observe.
Chaucer.
Must I budge? Must I observe you?
Shak.
With solemn purpose to observe Immutably his sovereign will.
Milton.
2. To be on the watch respecting; to pay attention to; to notice with
care; to see; to perceive; to discover; as, to observe an eclipse; to
observe the color or fashion of a dress; to observe the movements of an
army.
3. To express as what has been noticed; to utter as a remark; to say in
a casual or incidental way; to remark.
Ob*serve", v. i. 1. To take notice; to give attention to what one sees
or hears; to attend.