n. (pl. -ies) 1 a formal religious or public occasion, esp. celebrating a particular event or anniversary. 2 formalities, esp. of an empty or ritualistic kind (ceremony of exchanging compliments). 3 excessively polite behaviour (bowed low with great ceremony). Master of Ceremonies 1 ( also MC) a person introducing speakers at a banquet, or entertainers in a variety show. 2 a person in charge of ceremonies at a state or public occasion. stand on ceremony insist on the observance of formalities. without ceremony informally.
[ ME f. OF ceremonie or L caerimonia religious worship ]