Hearse

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /hɜːs/
• US IPA: /hɝs/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)s

Origin

From Old French herce, from Medieval Latin hercia, from Latin herpicem, hirpex; ultimately from Oscan 𐌇𐌈𐌓𐌐𐌖𐌔 ("wolf"), a reference to the teeth. The Oscan term is related to Latin hirsutus ("bristly, shaggy").

Full definition of hearse

Noun

1. A hind in the second year of its age.
2. 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.
3. A grave, coffin, tomb, or sepulchral monument.
• Ben Jonsonunderneath this marble hearse
• FairfaxBeside the hearse a fruitful palm tree grows.
• Longfellowwho lies beneath this sculptured hearse
4. A bier or handbarrow for conveying the dead to the grave.
• ShakespeareSet down, set down your honourable load,
  If honour may be shrouded in a hearse.
5. A carriage or vehicle specially adapted or used for transporting a dead person to the place of funeral or to the grave.

Verb

1. (dated) To enclose in a hearse; to entomb.