Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - ceremony

 noun  (plural -nies)  Etymology: Middle English ceremonie, from Middle French ceremonie, from Latin caerimonia  Date: 14th century  1. a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention the marriage ~  2.  a. a conventional act of politeness or etiquette the ~ of introduction  b. an action performed only formally with no deep significance  c. a routine action performed with elaborate pomp  3.  a. prescribed procedures ; usages the ~ attending an inauguration  b. observance of an established code of civility or politeness opened the door without ~ and strode in