Hearse

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hearse

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

hurs  /hɜːs/

Definition

A vehicle used to carry a coffin to a funeral; historically, a triangular candelabrum placed over a coffin; from the French 'herce' (a harrow), referring to the shape of the candelabrum's spikes.

Plain meaning

A hearse is the vehicle — typically a long, black car — used to carry a coffin to a church or crematorium for a funeral. The word has a remarkable etymology that connects the modern vehicle to a medieval candelabrum that looked like a field harrow.

Register

Neutral in funeral and death-related contexts. Hearse is the standard technical term for the funeral vehicle. It carries associations with solemnity, mortality, and formal farewell. The word's etymology is largely unknown to most users.