View synonyms for catafalque

catafalque

[ kat-uh-fawk, -fawlk, -falk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a raised structure on which the body of a deceased person lies or is carried in state.
a hearse.

catafalque

/ ˈkætəˌfælk /

noun

a temporary raised platform on which a body lies in state before or during a funeral

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Word History and Origins

Origin of catafalque¹

1635–45; < French < Italian catafalco < Late Latin *catafalicum scaffold, equivalent to cata- cata- + fal ( a ) wooden siege tower + -icum, neuter of -icus -ic

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Word History and Origins

Origin of catafalque¹

C17: from French, from Italian catafalco, of uncertain origin; compare scaffold

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Example Sentences

All day long and through the night a stream of people filed reverently by the catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg

The said alcaldes-in-ordinary and two regidors assisted the fiscal auditor as managers in the construction of that catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg

The body had been placed on a rich catafalque, beneath a canopy of velvet.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he rose, as pale as death, and walked up the steps of the catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg

His helmet and breast-plate are always laid upon the catafalque.

From Project Gutenberg

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April 23, 2024inveterate

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