Cer"e*mo*ny (?), n.;
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.
Shak.
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.
Shak.
4. A sign or prodigy; a portent. [Obs.]
Cæsar, I never stood on ceremonies,
Yet, now they fright me.
Shak.
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.
Hear it pronounced