What term describes a funeral procession?

The term that describes a funeral procession is "cortege." This word specifically refers to the line of vehicles or people accompanying the deceased to their final resting place. It captures the solemnity and purpose of the gathering, distinguishing it from more casual group movements or celebrations.

While "procession" could seem like an appropriate term since it literally means a group moving in an orderly fashion, it lacks the specific connotation of a funeral context that "cortege" conveys. The term "ceremony" generally refers to the formal service itself, encompassing rituals and honors paid to the deceased, rather than the act of moving toward the burial site. "Parade," on the other hand, implies a festive or celebratory event, which is not aligned with the respectful and mournful nature of a funeral procession. Thus, "cortege" is the term that most accurately signifies the dignified procession associated with funerals.