processional

[ pruh-sesh-uh-nl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a procession.
2. of the nature of a procession; moving in an orderly or regular succession, sequence, or the like.
3. of a style, design, etc., customarily used in processions:

   processional regalia.

4. sung or played during a procession, as a hymn, march, etc.

noun

1. a piece of music, as a hymn or slow march, suitable for accompanying a procession.
2. a book containing hymns, litanies, etc., for use in religious processions.

processional

/ prəˈsɛʃənəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or suitable for a procession

noun

1. Christianity
   1. a book containing the prayers, hymns, litanies, and liturgy prescribed for processions
   2. a hymn, litany, etc, used in a procession

Derived Forms

• proˈcessionally, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·cession·al·ly adverb
• nonpro·cession·al adjective
• unpro·cession·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of processional¹

1400–50; (noun) late Middle English: service book < Medieval Latin prōcessiōnāle, noun use of neuter of prōcessiōnālis in a procession; (adj.) < Medieval Latin prōcessiōnālis; procession, -al ², -al ¹

Example Sentences

Recycled robes, processional marches, silver pens from Tiffany: It is graduation season in America.

From New York Times

This was what the Portuguese composer called her own take on the fantastical world of Cervantes’ — a kind of processional colored calm in which melodic or rhythmic wisps reconfigure, never quite to be captured.

From Los Angeles Times

He arrived, along with his wife, Melania, and other family members as part of a processional from the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home.

From Seattle Times

The ensemble’s soaring voices, conducted by music director Karen P. Thomas, create an especially stirring effect when illuminated by a candlelight processional.

From Seattle Times

Afterward, the State Bar of Texas received a series of complaints alleging that Paxton and a deputy had committed processional misconduct with the suit.

From Seattle Times