\Cer"e*mo*ny\, n.; pl. {Ceremonies}. [F.
c['e]r['e]monie, 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
         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.