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herse |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Herse \Herse\, v. t. Same as {Hearse}, v. t. --Chapman. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. 2. See {Hearse}, a carriage for the dead. 3. A funeral ceremonial. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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