Hearse (hẽrs), n. [See
Herse.] 1. A framework of wood or metal
placed over the coffin or tomb of a deceased person, and covered with
a pall; also, a temporary canopy bearing wax lights and set up in a
church, under which the coffin was placed during the funeral
ceremonies. [Obs.] Oxf. Gloss.
2. A grave, coffin, tomb, or sepulchral
monument. [Archaic] "Underneath this marble hearse."
B. Johnson.
Beside the hearse a fruitful palm tree
grows.
Fairfax
Who lies beneath this sculptured
hearse.
Longfellow.
3. A bier or handbarrow for conveying the
dead to the grave. [Obs.]
Set down, set down your honorable load,
It honor may be shrouded in a hearse.
Shak.
4. A carriage specially adapted or used for
conveying the dead to the grave.
Hearse, v. t. To inclose in a
hearse; to entomb. [Obs.] "Would she were hearsed at my
foot." Shak.
Hearse (hẽrs), n. [Etymol.
uncertain.] A hind in the second year of its age. [Eng.]
Wright.