OBSERVATORY
Ob*serv"a*to*ry, n.; pl. Observatories. Etym: [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.)
Defn: A lookout on a flank of a battery whence an officer can note the range and effect of the fire. Farrow.
OBSERVE
Ob*serve", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Observed; p. pr. & vb. n. Observing.]
Etym: [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.