obsequies

/ ˈɒbsɪkwɪz; ɒbˈsiːkwɪəl /

plural noun

1. funeral rites

Derived Forms

• obsequial, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsequies¹

C14: via Anglo-Norman from Medieval Latin obsequiae (influenced by Latin exsequiae ), from obsequium compliance

Example Sentences

That knowledge sits uncomfortably with what has come before, not because the leaden language of the scripted obsequies is persuasive, but because the grieving citizens are so real.

From New York Times

As Trump frothed and raged during the prolonged obsequies for John McCain, while eulogies for the dead senator doubled as excoriations of the president, I cast McCain in the role of the retributive spectre.

From The Guardian

I see no spine nor brains in this party of apologists, and obsequies and drooling weaklings.

From New York Times

I can tell you, within hours, how many TV viewers tuned in for the Thatcher obsequies.

From The Guardian

Collective memory cannot be battered into adoring someone by official obsequies.

From The Guardian