HEARSE (an

See also:

• ADAPTATION (from Lat. adaptare. to fit to)

adaptation of Fr. herse, a

See also:

• HARROW

harrow, from

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• LAT

Lat. hirpex, hirpicem,

See also:

• RAKE (O.E. rata, cognate with Du. raak, Ger. Rechen, from a root meaning to scrape together, heap up)

rake or harrow,

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• GREEK
• GREEK, ETRUSCAN AND

Greek aprra;:)  , a vehicle for the conveyance of a dead body at a funeral . The most usual shape is a four-wheeled car, with a roofed and enclosed body, sometimes with glass panels, which contains the coffin . This is the only current use of the word . In its earlier forms it is usually found as " herse," and meant, as the French word did, a harrow (q.v.) . It was then applied to other objects resembling a harrow, following the French . It was then used of a portcullis, and thus becomes a heraldic term, the " herse " being frequently borne as a " charge, " as in the arms of the City of Westminster . The ANATOMY] chief application of the word is, however, to various objects used in funeral ceremonies . A " herse " or " hearse " seems first to have been a barrow-shaped framework of wood, to hold lighted tapers and decorations placed on a bier or coffin; this later developed into an elaborate pagoda-shaped erection of woodwork or metal for the funerals of royal or other distinguished persons . This held banners, candles, armorial bearings and other heraldic devices . Complimentary verses or epitaphs were often attached to the " hearse." An elaborate " hearse " was designed by Inigo Jones for the funeral of James I . The " hearse " is also found as a permanent erection over tombs . It is generally made of iron or other metal, and was used, not only to carry lighted candles, but also for the support of a pall during the funeral ceremony .

There is a

brass " hearse " in the Beauchamp Chapel at Warwick Castle, and one over the tomb of Robert Marmion and nis wife at Tanfield Church near Ripon .