mum·mery \ˈməmərē\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle French momerie masquerade, from momer 1.: a performance given by mummers 2.: a ridiculous, hypocritical, or pretentious ceremony, observance, or performance < practices … commonly regarded as superstitious mummeries were revived — T.B.Macaulay > < the mummery and ceremonial of modern life — W.P.Webb >