peepshow
nounUS /ˈpipˌʃoʊ/
Etymology From peep + show.
1
An exhibition of pictures or objects viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass.
- Beautiful peepshows with hand-coloured engravings by Martin Englebrecht, 1684-1756, were produced in Augsburg about 1740. The box, about six inches cube, contained slots to take four cut-out scenes, the front of the box had another cut-out, and the back was painted with a landscape, making six 'curtains' in all.1971, Gwen White, Antique Toys And Their Background, page 181:
2
A titillating or pornographic display viewed through a small slot, generally equipped with a timer to automatically close the slot when payment has expired.
- Related terms
- raree show