noun
ceremonial sword
A sword used for formal ceremonies, not for combat. Often decorative or symbolic.
儀礼刀は式典で使われることが多い。
Ceremonial swords are often used in formal ceremonies.
博物館で美しい儀礼刀を見た。
I saw a beautiful ceremonial sword at the museum.
日本刀 refers to traditional Japanese swords in general, including practical ones. 儀礼刀 is a subset used for ceremonies.
Compound of 儀礼 (ぎれい, 'ceremony, etiquette') and 刀 (とう, 'sword'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term straightforwardly describes a sword for ceremonial use.