any activity that is performed in an especially solemn elaborate or formal way; " the ceremony of smelling the cork and tasting the wine"; " he makes a ceremony of addressing his golf ball"; " he disposed of it without ceremony"

the proper or conventional behavior on some solemn occasion; " an inaugural ceremony"

Behavior regulated by strict etiquette; a formal method of performing acts of civility; forms of civility prescribed by custom or authority.

A ceremonial symbols; an emblem, as a crown, scepter, garland, etc.

A sign or prodigy; a portent.

A sacred rite; as, the marriage ceremony; a prescribed formality; behavior regulated by the laws of strict etiquette.

A sacred rite: the outward form, religious or otherwise.

A rite; observance; formality.

Ceremonial.

A formal act, rite, or observance; formal civility.

A prescribed form of observance of a more or less religious and solemn nature; the celebration of it; prescribed formality. Master of ceremonies, one who sees that the due forms are observed.

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;

Outward forms or rites in religion; formal rules or regulations; certain kinds of social intercourse; state etiquette.

Then the Colonel got to his feet, and bowed to Stephen with ceremony. – The Crisis, Complete by Winston Churchill Last Updated: March 6, 2009

" We went through the marriage ceremony here, three weeks ago, she and I, as this man will tell you. – The Heather-Moon by C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson

And where did the ceremony take place? – Cosmopolis, Complete by Paul Bourget Last Updated: March 3, 2009

Joyce did not stand on ceremony that night. – East Lynne by Mrs. Henry Wood

Gentlemen, as the host in Castle Craneycrow, I invite you to witness the marriage ceremony which is to make it impossible for you to take Dorothy Garrison to Brussels. – Castle Craneycrow by George Barr McCutcheon

Immediately after the ceremony the new Queen set out for Spain. – The Memoirs of Louis XIV., Volume 9 And His Court and of The Regency by Duc de Saint-Simon

This ceremony is called " sembajang istira." – Letters of a Javanese Princess by Raden Adjeng Kartini Commentator: Louis Couperus

It can only be opened when the ceremony of marriage takes place between- he bowed again to Lady Agnes and this time also to Lambert. – Red Money by Fergus Hume

After the hurried ceremony was over, one of them approached Faversham. – The Mating of Lydia by Mrs. Humphry Ward

They are now making a ceremony to find it." – Traditions of the Tinguian: A Study in Philippine Folk-Lore by Fay-Cooper Cole

But he might not want to make this long journey for the sake of one marriage ceremony. – The Garden of Eden by Max Brand

Although a marriage ceremony had been performed between them by a bishop, he was not her husband, but the husband of Rose Cameron. – The Lost Lady of Lone by E.D.E.N. Southworth

She seemed to have regarded ceremony as unnecessary. – Mohun, or, The Last Days of Lee by John Esten Cooke

He was thinking of the men who had approached Nita with the ceremony which had so delighted her. – The Heart of Unaga by Ridgwell Cullum

It must, she told herself, have been knocked there during the ceremony. – Caribbee by Thomas Hoover

We mustn't forget our good- bye ceremony. – The Little Colonel at Boarding-School by Annie Fellows Johnston

Naida, I- I- Well, somehow I am afraid of the ceremony this afternoon- the wedding ceremony! – Astounding Stories of Super-Science, December 1930 by Various

Another little ceremony takes place here to- day, of course. – King Matthias and the Beggar Boy by Nicholas Jósika

" I mean one ceremony for father, and one for mother," answered Sue. – Apron-Strings by Eleanor Gates

But the wolf found them all, and used no great ceremony; one after the other he swallowed them down his throat. – Household Tales by Brothers Grimm by Grimm Brothers