Which term describes a formal speech delivered in honor of the deceased?

The term that describes a formal speech delivered in honor of the deceased is "laudatio." This practice was an important aspect of Roman funerary customs, where family members or close friends would deliver eulogies to celebrate the life and virtues of the deceased. The laudatio served not only to honor the individual who had passed away but also to reinforce their legacy and the values they represented within the community.

In ancient Rome, these speeches aimed to invoke the memory of the deceased, highlighting their achievements, character, and contributions to society. The importance of the laudatio in this context reflects the Roman view on death and remembrance, emphasizing the societal roles of individuals even after they had died.

The other terms do not pertain to formal speeches given in memory of those who have passed. For instance, conclamatio refers to the calling of the deceased's name or the wake. Puticuli can refer to burial pits or graves, and rosarius relates to things that are connected to roses, which do not align with the specific function of honoring a deceased person through formal speech. Therefore, "laudatio" accurately captures the essence of the term requested.