herse

Herse, n. Etym: [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.) Defn: 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. Defn: Same as Hearse, v. t. Chapman.

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