obsequy

American  

[ob-si-kwee] / ˈɒb sɪ kwi /

noun

plural

obsequies

1. a funeral rite or ceremony.

---

Etymology

Origin of obsequy

1350–1400; Middle English obseque < Middle French < Late Latin obsequiae, alteration (by confusion with exsequiae funeral rites) of obsequia, plural of Latin obsequium; see obsequious

Explanation

Obsequies are the traditional ceremonies that happen at a funeral. Your great-grandmother's obsequies may include prayers, poetry readings, and songs sung by the mourners. This word is most often used in its plural form, obsequies, to mean "funeral rites." All the traditions associated with a person's death, funeral, or burial, as well as any rituals of mourning, can be described as obsequies. Sometimes these are religious, like singing particular hymns or reciting specific prayers, while others are more personal. The Latin source of obsequy is obsequium, "dutiful compliance," influenced by exsequiae, "funeral rites."

Example Sentences

"Whether derided or praised," the historian Robert Rotberg has written, "he remains an object of calumny, obsequy and inquiry."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2015

From this session interdict Every fowl of tyrant wing, Save the eagle, feather'd king: Keep the obsequy so strict.

From The Phoenix and the Turtle by Shakespeare, William

From this session interdict   Every fowl of tyrant wing   Save the eagle, feather'd king: Keep the obsequy so strict.

From Bulchevy's Book of English Verse by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

The second day after his obsequy was done reverently, and on his body laid a tomb of stone and his banner hanging over him.

From Chronicle and Romance (The Harvard Classics Series) by Jean Froissart, Thomas Malory, Raphael Holinshed

Thou wast not keen To insult in present of his corse, like these, The insensate general and his brother-king, Who came with proud intent to cast him forth Foully debarred from lawful obsequy.

From The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles