hearse

noun \ ˈhərs \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Examples: hearse in a Sentence

Editor's Note: The Evolution of hearse

Definition of hearse

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 2

3 : a vehicle for conveying the dead to the grave

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Recent Examples of hearse from the Web

Dykes too old to ride, along with a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence in a nun’s habit and powdered face, followed in a hearse-like sport utility vehicle.

— sam whiting, SFChronicle.com, "On the road with Dykes on Bikes in a pre-Pride run," 14 June 2018
The hearse left the Palace just after 9 a.m. on a gun carriage led by horses and flanked by royal guards wearing bearskin hats.

— olivia blair, Town & Country, "Remembering Princess Diana's Funeral 20 Years Later," 9 Aug. 2017
Fox 5 reports there were police cars in the parking lot as Hicks' casket was carried out of the church and placed in the funeral hearse.

— lisa gutierrez, kansascity, "'All hell broke loose.' Priest throws family out of church before their mom's funeral," 2 July 2018
Its first major exhibition was a display of historical hearses, which can still be seen at the museum today.

— melissa locker, Southern Living, "WATCH: Road Trip to the South’s National Museum of Funeral Homes," 26 June 2018
Motorcycle riders from the Patriot Guard, Buffalo Soldiers, and American Veteran Motorcycle Riders led the hearse to the funeral home.

— carole carlson, Post-Tribune, "67 years later, Gary soldier gets military funeral: 'My family is just so happy to have him home'," 24 June 2018
As well as hearses and ambulances, Hess & Eisenhardt customized cars, including the 1962 Lincoln Continental limousine that President John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was killed.

— jeff suess, Cincinnati.com, "The hospital ambulance was a Cincinnati first," 9 May 2018
Outside, hundreds of supporters called for justice as the teen's casket was loaded into the hearse.

— CBS News, "Slaying of Bronx teen highlights NYPD efforts to curb gang violence," 28 June 2018
Officials with the Texas Democrats declined to comment on the hearse or the message.

— anna m. tinsley, star-telegram, "Republicans to Texas Democrats: RIP," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hearse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.