1. a person who is devoted to or insists on the observance of ceremony and formal ritual
Usage: often used to describe someone who places great importance on formal procedures and etiquette
2. a person who practices or advocates ceremonialism, especially in religious contexts
Usage: religious or ecclesiastical context

Examples

• The ceremonialist insisted that every detail of the wedding protocol be followed exactly.
• As a ceremonialist, she believed that formal rituals strengthened community bonds.
• The bishop was known as a ceremonialist who valued traditional liturgical practices.
• He was criticized by some as a ceremonialist more concerned with form than substance.
• The ceremonialist carefully planned each element of the state funeral.
• Unlike the ceremonialist approach, the modern church favored a more casual style of worship.