From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Observatory \Ob*serv"a*to*ry\, noun; 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; usually referred to as an {observation post}. --Farrow. [1913 Webster +PJC]
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