exequy

[ ek-si-kwee ]

noun

, plural ex·e·quies.

1. Usually exequies. funeral rites or ceremonies; obsequies.
2. a funeral procession.

Other Words From

• ex·e·qui·al [ek-, see, -kwee-, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exequy¹

1350–1400; Middle English exequies (plural) < Medieval Latin, Latin exequiae literally, train of followers, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + sequ ( ī ) to follow) + -iae, feminine plural noun suffix

More About Exequy

What is an exequy?

An exequy is a funeral procession, such as a hearse carrying the deceased person and cars of mourners driving in a slow line to a cemetery for burial.

An exequy is also any formal ceremony for the burial, internment, or cremation of a deceased person in a religion or culture. The term can be used to reference a specific rite such as a religious service or the entire process from funeral to burial. 

A rare word, exequy is almost never used to describe one funeral or funeral rite, although it’s used to describe one funeral procession. Instead, the plural exequies is used to discuss more than one funeral or funeral rites, as well as more than one funeral procession.

Example: The cars in the long exequy moved slowly through our neighborhood on their way to the cemetery.

Where does exequy come from?

The first records of the term exequy are from around the late 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin exequiae, meaning “train of followers.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to exequy?

• exequial (adjective)

What are some synonyms for exequy?

• burial
• interment
• funeral
• obsequy

What are some words that share a root or word element with exequy? 

• exequatur

What are some words that often get used in discussing exequy?

• death
• speech
• ceremony
• flags
• religion

How is exequy used in real life?

A rare word, exequy is almost always used to discuss a procession. The plural form, exequies, is used for multiple funeral rites or funeral processions.

Through the brush,
the dust-heavy thicket
an innermost poetic order,
ablution of the soul.
The branch-settled owl,
nesting quiet in
dimming blue light,
exequy of day’s worship.

— chop-logic seance (@paltryform) March 9, 2022

Funeral Notice: The exequies for Canon Michael Bagan RIP:

* Reception of Remains: 17 April, 7pm at Our Lady & St Ninian’s, Bannockburn;
* Requiem Mass: 18 April, 12 noon at Our Lady & St Ninian’s, Bannockburn;
* Interment: 18 April, 3.30pm at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Liberton. pic.twitter.com/LIkCii96Y0

— Archbishop Leo Cushley (@leocushley) April 11, 2018

The Roman exequies of James II organised by Charles Cardinal Barberini, 1702 pic.twitter.com/CTF1wvkMMo

— John McCafferty (@jdmccafferty) October 2, 2018

Try using exequy!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for exequy?

A. funeral
B. burial
C. baptism
D. obsequy