catafalque

(katə falk′, -fôlk′)

noun

  1. a wooden framework, usually draped, on which the body in a coffin lies in state during an elaborate funeral
  2. R.C.Ch. a coffinlike structure used to represent the dead at a requiem Mass after the actual burial

Origin: Fr < It catafalco, funeral canopy, stage; prob. < VL *catafalicum, scaffold < cata- (< Gr kata, down) + *falicum < L fala, wooden tower

See catafalque in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A decorated platform or framework on which a coffin rests in state during a funeral.
  2. Roman Catholic Church A coffin-shaped structure draped with a pall, used to represent the corpse at a requiem Mass celebrated after the burial.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from Italian catafalco

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