noun / adjective
processional
pruh-SESH-uh-nuhl/prʌsˈɛʃʌnʌl/
Connected with a ceremonial procession.
The musicians play processional music beside the slowly moving ceremonial group.
Etymology
The pieces mean “pertaining to a procession.” The musical noun arose as a shortening of “processional hymn,” naming the music by the ceremonial movement it accompanies.
More examples
- The graduates follow the processional route across campus.
- The couple listens to several processionals before choosing their entrance music.
- The ushers explain the processional order before the ceremony.
Forms
processional · processionals
procession noun — People moving together in a ceremonial line.
Similar words
- march
- Music with a steady walking rhythm, not necessarily for an entrance.
- ceremonial
- Relates to ceremonies generally, not specifically to a procession.