hearse

1 of 2

noun

ˈhərs 

1

a

: an elaborate framework erected over a coffin or tomb to which memorial verses or epitaphs are attached

b

: a triangular candelabra for 15 candles used especially at Tenebrae

2

a

archaic : coffin

b

obsolete : bier sense 1

3

: a vehicle for conveying the dead to the grave

hearse

2 of 2

verb

hearsed; hearsing

transitive verb

1

a

archaic : to place on or in a hearse

b

: to convey in a hearse

2

: bury

Did you know?

The Evolution of Hearse

Medieval French used the word herce for a harrow, a farm tool used to break up and smooth the soil. Herce was also applied to a triangular frame that was used for holding candles. Herce was borrowed into Middle English as herse. In those days, a large and decorative framework might be raised over the tomb or coffin of an honored person. Because this framework was often decorated with candles, the word herse was applied to it. A series of slightly changed meanings led to the use of herse (Modern English hearse) for a platform for a corpse or coffin, and from that to a vehicle to carry the dead. The verb hearse emerged late in the 16th century.

Synonyms

Verb

• bury
• entomb
• inhume
• inter
• lay
• put away
• tomb

Examples of hearse in a Sentence

Verb

the cemetery hearses an average of eight bodies a week

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Between the events, a caravan of dozens of motorcycles followed the hearse van carrying Emmanuel’s body. —Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Jan. 2024

My photographer friend Bev Davis was invited to accompany Neil on his famous journey in the hearse to California. —Emma Madden, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024

Verb

Residents knelt in silent tribute as hearses carrying the victims passed by on their way to a military cemetery outside the city for burial. —Yehor Konovalov and Katie Marie Davies, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2024

Fakir’s casket was carried to a white Cadillac LaSalle hearse — the same vintage vehicle that once transported his close friend Aretha Franklin — and he was laid to rest Friday afternoon at Woodlawn Cemetery. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English herse, from Anglo-French herce harrow, frame for holding candles, from Latin hirpic-, hirpex harrow

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

hearse

noun

ˈhərs

: a vehicle for conveying the dead to the grave

Etymology

Noun

Middle English herse "a triangular frame for holding candles," from early French herce "frame for holding candles, harrow," from Latin hirpex "harrow"

Word Origin

An early form of French used the word herce for a harrow, a farm tool used to break up and smooth the soil. Herce was also applied to a triangular frame that was similar in shape to the frame of a harrow and was used for holding candles. Herce was borrowed into English as hearse, and both the literal sense of "harrow" and the extended sense of "a frame for holding candles" were kept. In those days a large and decorative framework might be raised over the tomb or coffin of an honored person. Because this framework was often decorated with candles, the word hearse was applied to it. A series of slightly changed meanings led to the use of hearse for a platform for a corpse or coffin, and from that to a vehicle to carry the dead to the grave.