Stand on ceremony

Posted by Vair on March 10, 2009 at 09:28

Stand on ceremony: I came across this phrase in Macbeth, and realized that it might have a completely literal origin. That is, people stand from (or sit to) the table in accordance with their recognised, ceremonial place in the hierarchy. As opposed to "stand" meaning "taking a stand to defend." True? False? Thought I might find an entry for the phrase here, but did not.

• Stand on ceremony Joe 12/March/09
  • Stand on ceremony Smokey Stover 13/March/09
    • Stand on ceremony Vair 18/March/09
      • Stand on ceremony Smokey Stover 19/March/09
        • Stand on ceremony Vair 20/March/09