Obsequy and exequy Meaning and Definition
Obsequy and Exequy
Pronunciation
/ōb-skwi-ī ˌɛg-ˈskwi-ī/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A combination of obsequy and exequy, referring to the rites and ceremonies performed during a funeral or in memory of the deceased, including burial, cremation, or other forms of disposal.
Etymology
The term “obsequy” originates from the Latin “obsequium,” meaning “duty or obligation,” while “exequy” comes from the Latin “exequiae,” meaning “last rights” or “funeral rites.” The combination of the two terms emerged in the 17th century to describe the ceremonial aspects of a funeral.
Usage Notes
Use “obsequy and exequy” in the context of funeral rites, ceremonies, or memorials, particularly when referring to historical or literary accounts of such events.
Cultural References
The term “obsequy and exequy” appears in literature and poetry, particularly in works exploring mortality, mourning, and the human condition. Notable examples include William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- {“final rites”} (a phrase referring to the last formal ceremonies or acts performed in honor of the deceased)
Related Words or Phrases
- Funeral
- Rites and ceremonies
- Mourning
- Memorial
Collocations
- Obsequy and exequy ceremony
- Funeral obsequy and exequy
- Historical obsequy and exequy
Frequency of Use
While “obsequy and exequy” is not commonly used in modern language, it can be found in literary and historical contexts, often referring to specific historical events or cultural practices.
Common Misspellings
- Obsequy and Exequy
- Obsequy Exequy