[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

ceremony \cer"emony\, n.; pl. ceremonies. f.
   c'er'emonie, l. caerimonia; perh. akin to e. create and
   from a root signifying to do or make.
   1. ar act or series of acts, often of a symbolical character,
      prescribed by law, custom, or authority, in the conduct of
      important matters, as in the performance of religious
      duties, the transaction of affairs of state, and the
      celebration of notable events; as, the ceremony of
      crowning a sovereign; the ceremonies observed in
      consecrating a church; marriage and baptismal ceremonies.
      1913 webster

            according to all the rites of it, and according to
            all the ceremonies thereof shall ye keep it the
            passover.                            --numb. ix. 3
      1913 webster

            bring her up the high altar, that she may
            the sacred ceremonies there partake.  --spenser.
      1913 webster

            the heralds with awful ceremony
            and trumpet's sound, throughout the host proclaim
            a solemn council.                     --milton.
      1913 webster

   2. behavior regulated by strict etiquette; a formal method of
      performing acts of civility; forms of civility prescribed
      by custom or authority.
      1913 webster

            ceremony was but devised at first
            to set a gloss on . . . hollow welcomes . . .
            but where there is true friendship there needs none.
                                                  --shak.
      1913 webster

            al ceremonies are in themselves very silly things;
            but yet a man of the world should know them.
                                                  --chesterfield.
      1913 webster

   3. a ceremonial symbols; an emblem, as a crown, scepter,
      garland, etc. obs.
      1913 webster

            disrobe the images,
            if you find them decked with ceremonies.
            . . . let no images
            be hung with caesar's trophies.     --shak.
      1913 webster

   4. a sign or prodigy; a portent. obs.
      1913 webster

            caesar, i never stood on ceremonies,
            yet, now they fright me.              --shak.
      1913 webster

   master of ceremonies, an officer who determines the forms
      to be observed, or superintends their observance, on a
      public occasion.

   not to stand on ceremony, not to be ceremonious; to be
      familiar, outspoken, or bold.
      1913 webster
see also:
ceremonies master of ceremonies not to stand on ceremony 

Ceremony >> C Words
Ceremony, definition of term: Ceremony
ceremony_pag1.html

Stand >> S Words
Stand, definition of term: Stand
stand_pag1.html

Stand By >> S Words
Stand By, definition of term: Stand By
stand+by_pag1.html