What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Definition of catafalque
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
Explore M-W
Origin and Etymology of catafalque
Italian catafalco, from Vulgar Latin *catafalicum scaffold, from cata- + Latin fala siege tower
Other Christian Religious Terms
Learn More about catafalque
-
See words that rhyme with catafalque Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catafalque
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up catafalque? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!