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Is the word pomp ever used without being followed by circumstance? It seems as though the word is only ever used to denote pomp and circumstance. Are there other uses?

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2  
Know of "pomp", but never even heard the phrase "pomp and circumstance" before. – Mr. Disappointment Apr 10 '12 at 12:39
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Are you asking whether the word is used without the complementary "and circumstance"? Because it is perfectly ordinary to use it alone, as in the solemn pomp of a military funeral. – Robusto Apr 10 '12 at 12:42
@Mr.Disappointment I've never heard of it alone. How odd. – Pureferret Apr 10 '12 at 12:45
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@Mr.Disappointment "Pomp and Circumstance" is a set of marches by the composer Elgar. You'll be familiar with the first one, I'm sure, since it's also the tune to "Land of Hope and Glory". – Lunivore Apr 10 '12 at 12:46

4 Answers

up vote 8 down vote accepted

Yes.

From the past month's headlines:

Tim Tebow introduced by Jets, with pomp befitting a star, if not a starter

Zimbabwe: Pomp, Fanfare As Book Cafe Reopens

Pomp, pageantry and royalty at 15th Zik Prize Award ceremony

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up vote 4 down vote

I've also heard it used in 'pomp and pageantry', 'pomp and ceremony', 'pomp and show' and 'pomp and pride'.

I've not heard it used on its own, though. These days we tend to use 'pomposity' instead.

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pomp and splendor is another oft-used pairing. See also books.google.com/ngrams/… – zpletan Apr 10 '12 at 12:56
One of wiktionary's example sentences for pomposity mystifies me: "Your pomposity never ceases to astound me! Go do something unpleasant with a deer!" – jwpat7 Apr 10 '12 at 15:54
@jwpat7 The results from searching for the phrase are even more mystifying. – Lunivore Apr 10 '12 at 22:27
up vote 2 down vote

Yes, it is, though it's much more common in its adjective form, pompous.

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up vote 3 down vote

In the Anglican and RC English rituals of Baptism, pomps (generic plural only) occurs frequently:

  • ... that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh, ...

  • I renounce Satan, and his works, and his pomps, and his worships, and his angels, and his inventions, and all things that are under him.

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