obsequy etymology

Etymology

The word "obsequy" comes from the Latin word "obsequium", meaning "obedience, compliance, or service." It is derived from the root "obsequi", meaning "to follow, obey, or comply with."

Meaning

An obsequy is a ceremony or ritual performed after someone's death, typically involving prayers, readings, and remembrances of the deceased. It is often used synonymously with "memorial service" or "funeral."

Origin

The concept of performing obsequies after death has its roots in various religious and cultural traditions. In ancient Rome, the obsequium was a ceremony performed by family members to express their devotion and respect for the deceased. It involved following the funeral procession, offering prayers, and making sacrifices.

Over time, the practice of obsequies evolved and spread throughout Europe and other parts of the world. In Christianity, obsequies often include prayers, readings from scripture, and hymns. In many cultures, obsequies are seen as a way to honor the memory of the deceased, provide comfort to the bereaved, and facilitate the transition of the soul to the afterlife.

obsequy relate terms

• obsequious

  Etymology From Middle French obsequieux from Anglo Norman obsequeux from Medieval Lat

• obsequies

  Etymology The word obsequies originates from the Latin word obsequium meaning an ac

• obsequy

  Etymology The word obsequy comes from the Latin word obsequium meaning obedience c

• funeral

  Etymology The word funeral derives from the Latin word funus meaning corpse or f

• proportion

  Etymology From Old French proportion appropriate relation or measure from Latin pr

• communion

  Etymology The word communion comes from the Latin word communio which means sharin

• protest

  Etymology The word protest comes from the Late Latin word protestari meaning to bea

• peanut

  Etymology of Peanut The word peanut has two distinct etymologies English 16th ce

• salvation

  Etymology From Old French salvacion from Latin salvatio a saving rescue preservati

• wonder

  Etymology The word wonder comes from the Old English word wundor meaning a marvelo

• sedulous

  Etymology Latin sedulus meaning diligent assiduous watchful Indo European sed m

• category

  Etymology The word category derives from the Ancient Greek word kategoria meaning

• cemetery

  Etymology and Origin The word cemetery originates from the Greek word koimeterion m