noun

1. an automobile or carriage, used in a funeral for carrying the corpse
2. 1. a framelike structure above a coffin or tomb, for candles, hangings, etc.
   2. a triangular framework to hold candles at Tenebrae
3. Archaic a bier or coffin

Etymology: ME herce < OFr, a harrow, grated portcullis < L hirpex, a large rake with iron teeth < dial (Sabine) irpus, wolf (hence, lit., wolf-tooth device)