hearse

1 of 2

noun

ˈhərs

Synonyms of hearse next

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

: a triangular candelabra for 15 candles used especially at Tenebrae

archaic : coffin

obsolete : bier sense 1

: a vehicle for conveying the dead to the grave

hearse

2 of 2

verb

hearsed; hearsing

transitive verb

archaic : to place on or in a hearse

: to convey in a hearse

: bury

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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.

Examples of hearse in a Sentence

Verb the cemetery hearses an average of eight bodies a week

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

An air of solemn silence permeated over the cool, sunny July morning as officers lined up and brought Said's casket in front of the building, broken only by the occasional airplane overhead and the soft lull of the hearse's engine. —

Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 26 July 2024 The next morning, the crowds swelled into the thousands as his body was taken by hearse from the hospital to Los Angeles International Airport. —

Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024

Verb

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 Prince Philip had been highly involved in planning the arrangements, down to a customized Land Rover hearse and the music including the Royal Navy Hymn, a nod to his military roots. —

Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hearse

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hearse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of hearse was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hearse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hearse. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

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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.

Last Updated: 8 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

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hearse

noun

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of hearse in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near hearse

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Kids Definition