lych gate

British  

/ lɪtʃ /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of lych gate

C15: lich, from Old English līc corpse

Example Sentences

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 Stones of the Temple Lessons from the Fabric and Furniture of the Church by Field, Walter

The bells of the village church were ringing out for the service, and groups of two and three were passing in at the old lych gate.

From Teddy's Button by Le Feuvre, Amy

The church is very picturesquely situated on sloping ground, an avenue of yews leading from the lych gate to the porch.

From What to See in England A Guide to Places of Historic Interest, Natural Beauty or Literary Association by Home, Gordon

It had a typical country churchyard, with a large yew tree inside the old lych gate.

From The Carved Cupboard by Le Feuvre, Amy

They came to the lych gate, and the crowd jostled itself in its admiration.

From Robin Hood by Wyeth, N. C. (Newell Convers)