Herse

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Herse \Herse\ (h[~e]rs), n. [F. herse harrow, portcullis, OF.
     herce, LL. hercia, L. hirpex, gen. hirpicis, and irpex, gen.
     irpicis, harrow. The LL. hercia signifies also a kind of
     candlestick in the form of a harrow, having branches filled
     with lights, and placed at the head of graves or cenotaphs;
     whence herse came to be used for the grave, coffin, or chest


     containing the dead. Cf. {Hearse}.]
     1. (Fort.) A kind of gate or portcullis, having iron bars,
        like a harrow, studded with iron spikes. It is hung above
        gateways so that it may be quickly lowered, to impede the
        advance of an enemy. --Farrow.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. See {Hearse}, a carriage for the dead.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A funeral ceremonial. [Obs.] --Spenser.
        [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Herse \Herse\, v. t.
     Same as {Hearse}, v. t. --Chapman.
     [1913 Webster]