Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or characteristic of a procession: Describes something that is of, for, or used in a formal parade or ceremonial walk, especially a religious one.
   • Moving in an orderly line or sequence: Describes things arranged or proceeding in a manner resembling a formal procession.

2. Noun:

   • A piece of music for a procession: A hymn, chant, or other musical composition sung or played during a formal procession, particularly in a religious context.
   • A book containing such music: A liturgical book containing the hymns and chants for processional use in a church.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The choir followed the processional route into the cathedral.
  • They carried a beautiful processional cross at the head of the parade.
• Noun:
  • The organist began the processional as the wedding party entered.
  • The cantor selected a hymn from the processional.

Advanced Usage

• "In processional order": Arranged or proceeding in the formal, sequential manner of a parade.
  • The graduates entered the hall in processional order.
• "Processional way": A path or road specifically designed or used for ceremonial processions, often in historical or archaeological contexts.
  • The ancient processional way led to the temple.

Variants and Related Words

• Procession (n): A formal parade, especially a ceremonial one.
  • The funeral procession moved slowly through the streets.
• Processionally (adv): In a manner relating to or resembling a procession.
  • The monks walked processionally into the chapel.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Ceremonial, parade, marching.
• Noun: Recessional (specifically for music at the end of a ceremony), hymn, antiphon.

Related Phrases

• Processional entrance: The formal entry of participants at the beginning of a ceremony.
  • The bridesmaids made their processional entrance.
• Processional aisle: The central aisle of a church down which a procession moves.
  • The couple walked down the processional aisle.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or characteristic of a procession
   • in good processional order
2. intended for use in a procession
   • processional music
   • processional cross

Noun

1. religious music used in a procession