Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ceremonious \Cer`e*mo"ni*ous\, a. [Cf. F. c['e]r['e]monieux, L.
   Caerimoniosus.]
   1. Consisting of outward forms and rites; ceremonial.

   Note: [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}.

Source : WordNet®

ceremonious
     adj : rigidly formal or bound by convention; "their ceremonious
           greetings did not seem heartfelt" [syn: {conventional}]