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

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

The baylan gave a talk or a prolix prayer, and finished by saying: “May the dead receive that obsequy, by giving good fortune to the living.”

From The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 21 of 55 1624 Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century. by Robertson, James Alexander

And "You knew Mr. Bowen was no longer living?" she said, with fit obsequy of tone.

From Indian Summer by Howells, William Dean

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