CEREMONIOUS, adjective 1. Consisting of outward forms and rites; as the ceremonious part of worship. [In this sense, ceremonial is now used.] 2. Full of ceremony or solemn forms. 3. According to the rules and forms prescribed or customary; civil; formally respectful. ceremonious phrases. 4. Formal; according to the rules of civility; as, to take a ceremonious leave. 5. Formal; exact; precise; too observant of forms.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI