Both Uses of
pompous
in
The Age of Innocence
- "The van der Luydens," said Archer, feeling himself pompous as he spoke, "are the most powerful influence in New York society.†
Chpt 9
- Overhead, Handel's March swelled pompously through the imitation stone vaulting, carrying on its waves the faded drift of the many weddings at which, with cheerful indifference, he had stood on the same chancel step watching other brides float up the nave toward other bridegrooms.†
Chpt 19 *
Definition:
-
(pompous) behaving with excessive self-importance -- often with exaggerated dignity or ceremonial splendor
or more rarely: showing ceremonial splendor (pomp)