obsequie

Obsequies are funeral rites and ceremonies performed in honor of the deceased. The term, often used in the plural obsequies, derives from Old French obseque and ultimately from Latin obsequium, meaning dutiful service or deference; the singular form obsequy is also used in English. In contemporary English, obsequies is a formal or literary word for funeral rites, while obsequy refers to the singular ceremony.

Ritual elements commonly associated with obsequies include a wake or vigil, a funeral service or mass, readings and prayers, a eulogy or reflection, and a procession to the burial or cremation site, followed by the committal. Practices vary widely by religion, culture, and era, with some traditions emphasizing viewing of the body and others prioritizing memory or charitable acts over formal services.

Obsequies serve multiple functions: they honor the deceased, provide a structured space for communal mourning, and reinforce social bonds and obligations toward family, friends, and the community. They may be private family observances, community ceremonies, or state or civic occasions, and can be funded by individuals, families, or the estate.

In modern usage, obsequies retain a formal tone and are commonly found in obituaries, ceremonial descriptions, and legal or institutional contexts. They are synonymous with funeral rites in many English-language contexts, though the word itself may feel archaic in everyday speech.