Definition of pomp

The word "pomp" originated from the Middle English term "pompe," which in turn was derived from the Latin word "pompa." The Latin word "pompa" had various meanings, including "procession" and "ceremonial display." In ancient Roman times, pompa referred to a ceremonial procession, typically featuring soldiers, religious officials, and dignitaries. The word pompa also denoted the formal display of military might and equipment, such as armor, weaponry, and chariots. The meaning of the word pomp shifted somewhat over time as it evolved in the Middle English language. By the 14th century, it came to refer to any grand or elaborate display, denoting not only ceremonial processions but also lavish feasts and spectacles. In modern English, "pomp" can have connotations of excess, extravagance, or pomposity. It is commonly used to describe rituals, ceremonies, or displays that are overly elaborate, ornate, or formal. While the term "pomp" may carry a somewhat negative connotation, it also connotes a sense of grandeur or importance. Its origins in the Latin word "pompa," which referred to formal displays of power and ceremony, suggests that the concept of pomp has been associated with pomp and circumstance throughout history.