| hearse | 1. A framework of wood or metal placed over the coffin or tomb of a deceased person, and covered with a pall; also, a temporary canopy bearing wax lights and set up in a church, under which the coffin was placed during the funeral ceremonies. 2. A grave, coffin, tomb, or sepulchral monument. "Underneath this marble hearse." "Beside the hearse a fruitful palm tree grows." (Fairfax) "Who lies beneath this sculptured hearse." (Longfellow) 3. A bier or handbarrow for conveying the dead to the grave. "Set down, set down your honorable load, It honor may be shrouded in a hearse." (Shak) 4. A carriage specially adapted or used for conveying the dead to the grave. See: Herse. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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