cortege

or cor·tège

[ kawr-tezh, -teyzh ]

noun

1. a procession, especially a ceremonial one:

   a funeral cortege.

2. a line or train of attendants; retinue.

cortege

/ kɔːˈteɪʒ /

noun

1. a formal procession, esp a funeral procession
2. a train of attendants; retinue

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortege¹

1670–80; < French < Italian corteggio courtly retinue, derivative of corteggiare to court, itself derivative of corte court

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortege¹

C17: from French, from Italian corteggio, from corteggiare to attend, from corte court

Example Sentences

Ms Hardy said Elsie's love of celebrations would be reflected in the service, when the funeral cortege will be greeted with a "pink carpet".

From BBC

About 300 people gathered near the church, some held balloons and others released bubbles before a round of applause broke out as the cortege arrived.

From BBC

Posting on social media, the group said Mr Naylor's family had requested "all attendees walk in front of the cortege to lead Joss home, with those carrying club flags in the front".

From BBC

Then a cortege comes into view: about 50 people walking slowly behind a coffin draped with the Ukrainian flag.

From Los Angeles Times

As the funeral cortege made its way through the town people stood outside their homes in an offering of respect to the 23-year-old.

From BBC

Related Words

• caravan