mummery

From Middle French momerie, mommerie, from Old French mommer, from momon.

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mummery (countable and uncountable, plural mummeries)

1. (now chiefly historical) Mumming; disguising oneself to perform as a mummer, or to take part in some other festivities or performance.
   • 1819, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe:

     I say the sewer thought I was dressed to bear a part in the tregetour’s mummery, and so I got admission

2. A ridiculous or ostentatious ceremony, formerly especially of a religious nature; extravagant or hypocritical performance.
   • 1789, John Moore, Zeluco, Valancourt, published 2008, page 41:

     All this affectation and mummery was in due time overcome, and Zeluco's nuptials with the widow were celebrated in form.

   • 1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXX, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. , volume II, London: Henry Colburn, , →OCLC, page 83:

     Because it is more simple, and, in its simplicity, becomes sublime to a mind like her's—in my days of darkness I did not like the ceremonies of the church, but classed them with silly mummeries, hardening my heart against that which I did not understand—now you would have no such feelings to contend with...

   • 1951, Isaac Asimov, Foundation:

     Why, you unweaned cub, he believes in that mummery a good deal less than I do, and I don't believe in it at all.