mummery

noun

1. (archaic, countable, literally, uncountable)Mumming; disguising oneself to perform as a mummer, or to take part in some other festivities or performance.

   “I say the sewer thought I was dressed to bear a part in the tregetour’s mummery, and so I got admission”

2. (countable, figuratively, uncountable)A ridiculous or ostentatious ceremony, formerly especially of a religious nature; extravagant or hypocritical performance.

   “The twentieth of September, they are bound Fast from the midnight watch to pray till morn.— More would he not disclose, or knew not more. —What precious mummery!”

   “All this affectation and mummery was in due time overcome, and Zeluco's nuptials with the widow were celebrated in form.”

   “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...”

   “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.”