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).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: ME f. OF ceremonie or L caerimonia religious worship