Definition of "mummery"

mummery

noun
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.
  Quotations
  I say the sewer thought I was dressed to bear a part in the tregetour’s mummery, and so I got admission
  1819, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe
2. A ridiculous or ostentatious ceremony, formerly especially of a religious nature; extravagant or hypocritical performance.
  Quotations
  All this affectation and mummery was in due time overcome, and Zeluco's nuptials with the widow were celebrated in form.
  1789, John Moore, Zeluco, Valancourt, published 2008, page 41
  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...
  1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXX, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], page 83
  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.
  1951, Isaac Asimov, Foundation