catafalque

[ kat-uh-fawk, -fawlk, -falk ]

noun

1. a raised structure on which the body of a deceased person lies or is carried in state.
2. a hearse.

catafalque

/ ˈkætəˌfælk /

noun

1. a temporary raised platform on which a body lies in state before or during a funeral

Word History and Origins

Origin of catafalque¹

1635–45; < French < Italian catafalco < Late Latin *catafalicum scaffold, equivalent to cata- cata- + fal ( a ) wooden siege tower + -icum, neuter of -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of catafalque¹

C17: from French, from Italian catafalco, of uncertain origin; compare scaffold

Example Sentences

All day long and through the night a stream of people filed reverently by the catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg

The said alcaldes-in-ordinary and two regidors assisted the fiscal auditor as managers in the construction of that catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg

The body had been placed on a rich catafalque, beneath a canopy of velvet.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he rose, as pale as death, and walked up the steps of the catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg

His helmet and breast-plate are always laid upon the catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg