exequies
Definition
- Noun (plural only):
- Funeral rites or ceremonies: "exequies" refers to the formal observances and rituals associated with burying or honoring a dead person, especially the funeral service and accompanying procedures.
Usage Examples
- (The formal funeral ceremonies for the deceased king or queen.)
- (Private funeral rites.)
- (Historical funeral customs.)
Advanced Usage
"to perform exequies": to carry out funeral rites.
- The priest performed the exequies according to ancient custom. (He conducted the funeral ceremonies.)
"exequies of the dead": a formal phrase emphasizing the rituals for deceased individuals.
- The exequies of the dead were a public affair in many cultures. (Funeral ceremonies for the deceased.)
Variants and Related Words
Exequial (adj): relating to funeral rites or exequies.
- The exequial procession moved slowly through the streets. (The funeral procession.)
Exequy (n, rare singular form): a single funeral rite or ceremony (rarely used; the plural "exequies" is standard).
- Each exequy was performed with careful attention to detail. (Each part of the funeral ceremony.)
Synonyms
- Funeral: the ceremony or service held for a deceased person.
- Obsequies: formal funeral rites or ceremonies (a more common synonym).
- Burial: the act of placing a dead body in the ground, often part of exequies.
Related Idioms