dictionary definitions for "ceremonial"


From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ceremonial \Cer`e*mo"ni*al\, a. [L. caerimonialis: cf. F.
     c['e]rimonial. See Ceremony.]
     1. Relating to ceremony, or external rite; ritual; according
        to the forms of established rites.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Ceremonial observances and outward show. --Hallam.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Observant of forms; ceremonious.
  
     Note: [In this sense ceremonious is now preferred.] --Donne.
           [1913 Webster]
  
                 He moves in the dull ceremonial track. --Druden.
           [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ceremonial \Cer`e*mo"ni*al\, n.
     1. A system of rules and ceremonies, enjoined by law, or
        established by custom, in religious worship, social
        intercourse, or the courts of princes; outward form.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The gorgeous ceremonial of the Burgundian court.
                                                    --Prescott.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The order for rites and forms in the Roman Catholic
        church, or the book containing the rules prescribed to be
        observed on solemn occasions.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:

  ceremonial
      adj 1: marked by pomp or ceremony or formality; "a ceremonial
             occasion"; "ceremonial garb"
      n 1: a formal event performed on a special occasion; "a ceremony
           commemorating Pearl Harbor" [syn: ceremony, ceremonial,
           ceremonial occasion, observance]


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