mummery

[ muhm-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural mum·mer·ies.

1. the performance of mummers.
2. any performance, ceremony, etc., regarded as absurd, false, or ostentatious.

mummery

/ ˈmʌmərɪ /

noun

1. a performance by mummers
2. hypocritical or ostentatious ceremony

Word History and Origins

Origin of mummery¹

First recorded in 1520–30; mummer + -y ³

Example Sentences

At the domino mask they fetched I hesitated, for anything like mummery of this sort was always repugnant to me.

From Project Gutenberg

When next he saw her, she would have forgotten her priests and their mummery; she would think only of him and live only for him.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, no religious rites exist among them, unless the unmeaning mummery of the medicine tent can be looked upon as such.

From Project Gutenberg

Heyward possessed some knowledge of the mummery practised among the Indians, in the cases of such supposed visitations.

From Project Gutenberg

And smile not either—lest I spoil the symmetry of that face for your monkish mummery and processions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• antic
• farce
• gag
• humor
• laugh
• one-liner
• parody
• prank
• pun
• stunt
• trick
• wisecrack