obsequy Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ob"se*quy noun

Etymology

L. obsequiae, pl., funeral rites, fr. obsequi: cf.F. obsèques. See Obsequent, and cf. Obsequious.

Wordforms

plural Obsequies

Definitions

1. The last duty or service to a person, rendered after his death; hence, a rite or ceremony pertaining to burial; -- now used only in the plural. Spencer.

   I will...fetch him hence, and solemnly attend, With silent obsequy and funeral train. Milton

   I will myself Be the chief mourner at his obsequies. Dryden.

   The funeral obsequies were decently and privately performed by his family J. P. Mahaffy.

2. Obsequiousness. Obs. B. Jonson.