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Webster 1913 Edition

Ceremony

Cer′e-mo-ny

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Ceremonies
(#)
.
[F.
cérémonie
, L.
caerimonia
; perh. akin to E.
create
and from a root signifying to do or
make
.]
1.
Ar act or series of acts, often of a symbolical character, prescribed by law, custom, or authority, in the conduct of important matters, as in the performance of religious duties, the transaction of affairs of state, and the celebration of notable events;
as, the
ceremony
of crowning a sovereign; the
ceremonies
observed in consecrating a church; marriage and baptismal
ceremonies
.
According to all the rites of it, and according to all the
ceremonies
thereof shall ye keep it [the Passover].
Numb. ix. 3
Bring her up the high altar, that she may
The sacred
ceremonies
there partake.
Spenser.
[The heralds] with awful
ceremony

And trumpet’s sound, throughout the host proclaim
A solemn council.
Milton.
2.
Behavior regulated by strict etiquette; a formal method of performing acts of civility; forms of civility prescribed by custom or authority.
Ceremony
was but devised at first
To set a gloss on . . . hollow welcomes . . .
But where there is true friendship there needs none.
Shakespeare
Al
ceremonies
are in themselves very silly things; but yet a man of the world should know them.
Chesterfield.
3.
A ceremonial symbols; an emblem, as a crown, scepter, garland, etc.
[Obs.]
Disrobe the images,
If you find them decked with
ceremonies
.
. . . Let no images
Be hung with Cæsar's trophies.
Shakespeare
4.
A sign or prodigy; a portent.
[Obs.]
Cæsar, I never stood on
ceremonies
,
Yet, now they fright me.
Shakespeare
Master of ceremonies
,
an officer who determines the forms to be observed, or superintends their observance, on a public occasion.
–
Not to stand on ceremony
,
not to be ceremonious; to be familiar, outspoken, or bold.

Webster 1828 Edition

Ceremony

CEREMONY

, n.
1.
Outward rite; external form in religion.
2.
Forms of civility; rules established by custom for regulating social intercourse.
3.
Outward forms of state; the forms prescribed or established by order or custom, serving for the purpose of civility or magnificence, as in levees of princes, the reception of ambassadors, &c.
Master of ceremonies, an officer who superintends the reception of ambassadors. A person who regulates the forms to be observed by the company or attendants on a public occasion.

Definition 2024

ceremony

ceremony

English

Alternative forms

Noun

ceremony ‎(plural ceremonies)

  1. A ritual with religious significance.
  2. An official gathering to celebrate, commemorate, or otherwise mark some event.
  3. A formal socially established behaviour, often in relation to people of different ranks.
  4. (obsolete) An omen or portent.

Derived terms

Translations

Etymology

From Middle English, from Latin caerimonia or caeremonia, later often cerimonia ‎(“sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite”).

Pronunciation

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