MWC 314: a high-luminosity peculiar B[e] star

New broad-band multicolor photometry and optical spectroscopy of the emission-line star MWC 314= BD +14 degrees 3887 as well as a study of its ultraviolet spectrum are reported. It is shown that the star exhibits photometric variability with a quasi-regular component. Main parameters of the star and its envelope are determined from both the spectral energy distribution and emission line analysis. It is concluded that MWC 314 is a highly reddened (A(V) = 5.(m)7) supergiant with strong slow stellar wind. The stellar parameters are: log L/L(circle dot) = 6.2,T-* = 30 000 K, R(*) = 50R(circle dot), which yield an initial mass of about 80 M(circle dot). The stellar wind has a quite low terminal velocity (v(infinity) = 500 km s(-1), a high mass loss rate (M = 3 10(-5)M(circle dot)yr(-1)), and a structure similar to that of P Cyg. There is no evidence for a dust shell in the vicinity of the object. A comparison of the object's parameters with those of LBVs and B[e]-supergiants is also presented. MWC 314 can be considered as a candidate LBV.