MUMMERY

mummery, flummery

(noun) meaningless ceremonies and flattery

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

mummery (countable and uncountable, plural mummeries)

(now, chiefly, historical) Mumming; disguising oneself to perform as a mummer, or to take part in some other festivities or performance. [from 15th c.]

A ridiculous or ostentatious ceremony, formerly especially of a religious nature; extravagant or hypocritical performance. [from 16th c.]

Source: Wiktionary

Mum"mer*y, n.; pl. Mummeries. Etym: [F. momerie, of Dutch or German origin. See Mumm.]

1. Masking; frolic in disguise; buffoonery. The mummery of foreign strollers. Fenton.

2. Farcical show; hypocritical disguise and parade or ceremonies. Bacon.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition