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.
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