Main Entry: cat·a·falque

Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ˌfȯ(l)k, -ˌfalk\

Function: noun

Etymology: Italian catafalco, from Vulgar Latin *catafalicum scaffold, from cata- + Latin fala siege tower

Date: 1641

1 : an ornamental structure sometimes used in funerals for the lying in state of the body
2 : a pall-covered coffin-shaped structure used at requiem masses celebrated after burial