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
C[ae]sar's trophies. --Shak.
4. A sign or prodigy; a portent. [Obs.]
C[ae]sar, 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.