lych gate

British  

/ lɪtʃ /

noun

1. a roofed gate to a churchyard, formerly used during funerals as a temporary shelter for the bier

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Etymology

Origin of lych gate

C15: lich, from Old English līc corpse

Example Sentences

"It's a pity they should have chosen the day of the Eton and Harrow match for the funeral," old General Grego was saying as he stood, his top hat in his hand, under the shadow of the lych gate, wiping his face with his handkerchief.

From Project Gutenberg

I've been thinking," at length said Matthew, "that it's ten years since you and I, sir, and Mr. Acres, met at the old lych gate in that terrible storm.

From Project Gutenberg

He turned towards the lych gate.

From Project Gutenberg

Lych Gate.—The word "lych," derived from the Anglo-Saxon lie, or the German leiche, means a body, especially a dead body, a corpse.

From Project Gutenberg

The term lych gate is the old name given to a churchyard gate with a porch or covering, under which a bier may be rested while the introductory portion of the Burial Service is being read.

From Project Gutenberg