noun

procession

pruh-SESH-un/prəˈseʃn/

An ordered line moving forward one after another.

The wedding procession moves slowly down the aisle toward the altar.

An orderly ceremonial line of adults walks together carrying simple flower stems, formal calm procession, no banners or text.

Etymology

proLatinforward

+cessLatinto go

+ionLatinaction

The pieces express an act of going forward. The Latin noun developed from general advance or marching onward to a religious procession, connecting movement with the formal group that performs it.

In context

TED-Ed1:37

The group joins the procession to the Castilian Spring, where the Pythia performs a purification ceremony to prepare for a day of prophecy.

A day in the life of the oracle of Delphi - Mark Robinson

More examples

Mourners walk behind the hearse in a funeral procession.
Two teachers lead the procession of students into the auditorium.
A procession of delivery trucks passes the warehouse each morning.

Forms

procession · processions

processional adjective — Relating to or used in a procession.

Similar words

parade: A public procession organized for celebration or display.
line: An ordered arrangement that need not move or be ceremonial.