Obsequy

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɔbsɪ.kwiː/

Origin

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")).

Full definition of obsequy

Noun

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