Herse (hẽrs), n. [F.
herse harrow, portcullis, OF. herce, LL. hercia,
L. hirpex, gen. hirpicis, and irpex, gen.
irpicis, harrow. The LL. hercia signifies also a kind
of candlestick in the form of a harrow, having branches filled with
lights, and placed at the head of graves or cenotaphs; whence
herse came to be used for the grave, coffin, or chest
containing the dead. Cf. Hearse.] 1.
(Fort.) A kind of gate or portcullis, having iron bars,
like a harrow, studded with iron spikes. It is hung above gateways so
that it may be quickly lowered, to impede the advance of an
enemy. Farrow.
2. See Hearse, a carriage for the
dead.
3. A funeral ceremonial. [Obs.]
Spenser.
Herse, v. t. Same as
Hearse, v. t. Chapman.