obsequy

English

Etymology

From Latin obsequiī (“complaisant, yielding”), alteration of obsequia (“compliance”) (by confusion, in association with exsequia (“funeral rites”), from exsequī (“follow or accompany to the grave”)).

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA: /ˈɔbsɪ.kwiː/

Noun

obsequy (plural obsequies)

1. The last office for the dead
2. (chiefly in the plural) A funeral rite or service.
   • 1919 — Ronald Firbank, Valmouth, Duckworth, hardback edition, page 13

     But, to-day, there were no obsequies to observe at all.

Usage notes

• in modern usage, it is mainly in the plural: "obsequies", and not to be confused with obsequious