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procession

n.
US //pɹəˈsɛʃən// UK //pɹəsˈɛʃən// pro·ces·sion
  1. 1 formal parade (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a line of people or vehicles moving forward in a slow and formal way for a special event.

    a group of individuals, vehicles, or objects moving along in an orderly, often solemn or ceremonial manner.

    Example

    The funeral procession moved slowly through the city streets toward the cathedral.

    Example

    A solemn procession of mourners followed the casket, their rhythmic footsteps echoing against the cobblestones of the ancient square.

  2. 2 a sequence of things (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a series of people or things that happen or appear one after another.

    a continuous or orderly sequence of events, people, or items occurring in space or time.

    Example

    A long procession of witnesses came forward to speak at the trial.

    Example

    The afternoon was filled with a wearying procession of applicants, each presenting nearly identical qualifications for the single available position.

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  1. 3 cricket (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Sport

    when several players in a cricket team lose their turn very quickly.

    the rapid and sequential dismissal of a series of batsmen.

    Example

    After the captain was out, there was a procession of batsmen back to the pavilion.

    Example

    The opening bowler's hat-trick triggered a pathetic procession of middle-order batsmen, effectively ending the match before tea.

Origin

From Middle English processioun, borrowed from Old French pourciession, from Latin prōcessiō (“a marching forward, an advance, in Late Latin a religious procession”), from prōcēdere, past participle prōcessus (“to move forward, advance, proceed”); see proceed.

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