ceremony

Etymology

From Middle English cerymonye, from Latin caerimonia or caeremonia, later often cerimonia (“sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite”).

noun

1. A ritual, with religious or cultural significance.
2. An official gathering to celebrate, commemorate, or otherwise mark some event.
   a graduation ceremony, an opening ceremony
3. (uncountable) A formal socially established behaviour, often in relation to people of different ranks; formality.
   Monsieur Bridet, notwithstanding his costume and his evident harrassment [sic], found in himself the presence of mind to remain the attentive manager, and with ceremony effected the proper introduction. 1928, W. Somerset Maugham, “Miss King”, in Ashenden, New York: Avon, published 1943, page 37
   They went into the bars and interrupted the drinking, hustling the men out without ceremony. 1959, C. S. Forester, Hunting the Bismarck, London: Michael Joseph
4. (uncountable) Show of magnificence, display, ostentation.
   Immediately after her arrival, the queen rode forth to survey the camp and its environs: wherever she went, she was attended by a splendid retinue; and all the commanders vied with each other, in the pomp and ceremony with which they received her. 1829, Washington Irving, chapter 46, in A Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada, volume II, Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Carey, page 254
5. (obsolete) An accessory or object associated with a ritual.
   As mercy does.
6. (obsolete) An omen or portent.