Part 145

Cerebro-spinal fluid (Physiol.), a serous fluid secreted by the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. -- Cerebro-spinal meningitis, Cerebro-spinal fever (Med.), a dangerous epidemic, and endemic, febrile disease, characterized by inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, giving rise to severe headaches, tenderness of the back of the neck, paralysis of the ocular muscles, etc. It is sometimes marked by a cutaneous eruption, when it is often called spotted fever. It is not contagious.

Cer"e*brum (?), n.; pl. E. Cerebrums (#), L. Cerebra (#). [L., the brain.] (Anat.) The anterior, and in man the larger, division of the brain; the seat of the reasoning faculties and the will. See Brain.

Cere"cloth` (?), n. [L. cera wax + E. cloth.] A cloth smeared with melted wax, or with some gummy or glutinous matter.

Linen, besmeared with gums, in manner of cerecloth. Bacon.

Cere"ment (?), n. [L. cera wax: cf. F. cirement.] (a) A cerecloth used for the special purpose of enveloping a dead body when embalmed. (b) Any shroud or wrapping for the dead.

Cer`e*mo"ni*al (?), a. [L. caerimonialis: cf. F. cÚrimonial. See Ceremony.] 1. Relating to ceremony, or external rite; ritual; according to the forms of established rites.

Ceremonial observances and outward show. Hallam.

2. Observant of forms; ceremonious. [In this sense ceremonious is now preferred.] Donne.

He moves in the dull ceremonial track. Druden.

Cer`e*mo"ni*al, n. 1. 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 gorgeous ceremonial of the Burgundian court. Prescott.

2. The order for rites and forms in the Roman Catholic church, or the book containing the rules prescribed to be observed on solemn occasions.

Cer`e*mo"ni*al*ism (?), n. Adherence to external rites; fondness for ceremony.

Cer`e*mo"ni*al*ly, adv. According to rites and ceremonies; as, a person ceremonially unclean.

Cer`e*mo"ni*al*ness, n. Quality of being ceremonial.

Cer`e*mo"ni*ous (?), a. [Cf. F. cÚrÚmonieux, L. Caerimoniosus.] 1. Consisting of outward forms and rites; ceremonial. [In this sense ceremonial is now preferred.]

The ceremonious part of His worship. South.

2. According to prescribed or customary rules and forms; devoted to forms and ceremonies; formally respectful; punctilious. "Ceremonious phrases." Addison.

Too ceremonious and traditional. Shak.

Syn. -- Formal; precise; exact. See Formal.

Cer`e*mo"ni*ous*ly, adv. In a ceremonious way.

Cer`e*mo"ni*ous*ness, n. The quality, or practice, of being ceremonious.

Cer"e*mo*ny (?), n.; pl. Ceremonies (#). [F. cÚrÚmonie, L. caerimonia; perh. akin to E. create and from a root signifying to do or make.] 1. Ar act or series of acts, often of a symbolical character, prescribed by law, custom, or authority, in the conduct of important matters, as in the performance of religious duties, the transaction of affairs of state, and the celebration of notable events; as, the ceremony of crowning a sovereign; the ceremonies observed in consecrating a church; marriage and baptismal ceremonies.

According to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof shall ye keep it [the Passover]. Numb. ix. 3

Bring her up the high altar, that she may The sacred ceremonies there partake. Spenser.

2. Behavior regulated by strict etiquette; a formal method of performing acts of civility; forms of civility prescribed by custom or authority.

Ceremony was but devised at first To set a gloss on . . . hollow welcomes . . . But where there is true friendship there needs none. Shak.

Al ceremonies are in themselves very silly things; but yet a man of the world should know them. Chesterfield.