What is "master of ceremonies"

Ceremony \Cer"e*mo*ny\, n.; pl. Ceremonies. [F. c['e]r['e]monie, L. caerimonia; perh. akin to E. create and from a root signifying to do or make.]

1. Ar act or series of acts, often of a symbolical character, prescribed by law, custom, or authority, in the conduct of important matters, as in the performance of religious duties, the transaction of affairs of state, and the celebration of notable events; as, the ceremony of crowning a sovereign; the ceremonies observed in consecrating a church; marriage and baptismal ceremonies.

   According to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof shall ye keep it [the Passover].
   --Numb. ix. 3

   Bring her up the high altar, that she may The sacred ceremonies there partake.
   --Spenser.

   [The heralds] with awful ceremony And trumpet's sound, throughout the host proclaim A solemn council.
   --Milton.

2. Behavior regulated by strict etiquette; a formal method of performing acts of civility; forms of civility prescribed by custom or authority.

   Ceremony was but devised at first To set a gloss on . . . hollow welcomes . . . But where there is true friendship there needs none.
   --Shak.

   Al ceremonies are in themselves very silly things; but yet a man of the world should know them.
   --Chesterfield.

3. A ceremonial symbols; an emblem, as a crown, scepter, garland, etc. [Obs.]

   Disrobe the images, If you find them decked with ceremonies. . . . Let no images Be hung with C[ae]sar's trophies.
   --Shak.

4. A sign or prodigy; a portent. [Obs.]

   C[ae]sar, I never stood on ceremonies, Yet, now they fright me.
   --Shak.

   Master of ceremonies, an officer who determines the forms to be observed, or superintends their observance, on a public occasion.

   Not to stand on ceremony, not to be ceremonious; to be familiar, outspoken, or bold.

n. 1 Someone who acts as a host at a formal event. 2 Someone who conducts a programme of varied entertainment, for example by introducing performers to the audience.

n. a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers) [syn: emcee, host]

A master of ceremonies, abbreviated M.C., also called (female) compère, is the official host of a ceremony, a staged event or similar performance.

The term is earliest documented in the Catholic Church since the 5th century, where the Master of Ceremonies was and still is an official of the Papal Court responsible for the proper and smooth conduct of the elegant and elaborate rituals involving the Pope and the sacred liturgy.

The master of ceremonies sometimes also refers the protocol officer during an official state function, especially in monarchies.

Today, the term often connotes a master of ceremonies who presents performers, speaks to the audience, entertains people, and generally keeps a contemporary event moving. As such, the term occurs in entertainment industry, including for television game show hosts, as well as in contemporary hip hop and electronic dance music culture, where MC's refer to rap artists or performers who perform vocals for their own original material.

In addition, the term also exists in various chivalric orders and fraternal orders.

American metalcore band Manntis returns with this long-awaited and delayed second album, supposed to release in 2008.

The Master of Ceremonies or more properly Grand Master of the Ceremonies, in modern governments of Japan, designates the chief administrator charged with ceremonial matters relating to the Imperial House of Japan. Under the current government system, he has been called the who heads the . However, the post has historically gone under different Japanese names.

Master of Ceremonies or more properly Grand Master of the Ceremonies , in Sweden are three chief administrators charged with ceremonial matters relating to the Royal Court of Sweden.

Master of Ceremonies is the fourth studio album by American rapper Styles P. The album was released on October 4, 2011, by D-Block Records and E1 Music. The album features guest appearances from Lloyd Banks, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Pharoahe Monch, Pharrell Williams and Styles' group The L.O.X.. Producers on the album include Pete Rock, Statik Selektah, Warren G, Dipset AraabMuzik, and more. The lead single from Master of Ceremonies, is "Harsh", which features Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes. A second single has also been released. The song is called "It's OK", which features Jadakiss.

Master of Ceremonies is the official host of a staged event or similar performance.

Master of Ceremonies may also refer to:

• Master of the Ceremonies, a position within the British Royal Household
• Grand Master of Ceremonies ( Grand maître des cérémonies de France), a position in the former French monarchy.

• , a similar position in the Japanese Imperial Household Agency

• "Master of Ceremonies" or , a position held by certain prestigious (but not daimyō level) samurai during the Japanese shogunate of the Edo Period.
• Master of Ceremonies (Styles P album)
• Master of Ceremonies (Manntis album)
• "Master of Ceremonies" (song), a song by Pink Floyd