ceremonial
1. cer.e.mo.ni.al \.ser-*-'mo--ne--*l\ \-*-.liz-*m\ \-*-l*st\ \-*-le-\ aj :
of, relating to, or forming a ceremony M and CEREMONIOUS both imply strict
attention to what is prescribed by custom or by state or church ritual, but
CEREMONIAL applies to things that are themselves ceremonies or an essential
part of them {a ceremonial offering}, CEREMONIOUS to persons addicted to
ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony {a ceremonious old man} FORMAL
applies both to things prescribed and to persons obedient to custom and may
suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior; CONVENTIONAL implies
accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of
originality or independence - cer.e.mo.ni.al.ism n SYN syn CEREMONIOUS,
FORMAL, CONVENTIONAL: CEREMONIAL
2. ceremonial n : a ceremonial act, action, or system