relating to ceremony, or external rite; ritual; according to the forms of established rites.-observant of forms; ceremonious. [in this sense ceremonious is now preferred.]-a system of rules and ceremonies, enjoined by law, or established by custom, in religious worship, social intercourse, or the courts of princes; outward form.-the order for rites and forms in the roman catholic church, or the book containing the rules prescribed to be observed on solemn occasions.