herse etymology

Etymology

The word "herse" has two distinct etymologies:

• From Old French "herce," meaning "harrow"

• From Middle English "herse," ultimately from the Latin "hirpex," meaning "a hedgehog or porcupine"

Meaning and Origin

1. A Type of Harrow

• A herse in this sense is a type of agricultural implement with a frame studded with spikes or teeth. It is used to break up soil or level ground.
• The term originates from the Old French word "herce," which referred to a similar tool used in agriculture.

2. A Funeral Canopy

• A herse in this sense is a canopy or framework adorned with plumes or lights, carried over a bier or coffin during a funeral procession.
• The term originates from the Middle English word "herse," which ultimately derived from the Latin word "hirpex."
• The hedgehog-like appearance of the canopy, with its spikes or plumes, is believed to have inspired the name.

Additional Information

• The herse in the sense of a funeral canopy was initially used in elaborate funeral ceremonies for the wealthy and prominent.
• Over time, its usage became more widespread, and it is now a common sight in funeral processions.
• In some cultures, a herse is also referred to as a catafalque or funeral coach.

herse relate terms

• hearse

  Etymology The word hearse originates from the Middle English word herse which itsel

• head

  Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives

• rehearse

  Etymology Origin Old French reherser meaning to tell over repeat Latin rehear

• save

  Etymology Old French sauve Latin salvus whole safe Meaning To protect or

• badminton

  Etymology The term badminton is believed to have originated from the name of a country

• aberration

  Etymology of aberration The word aberration is derived from the Latin term aberrar

• zeal

  Etymology Origin The word zeal originates from the Greek word zēlos ζῆλος

• moral

  Etymology French Morale Latin Moralis Root Mos custom character Meaning Rela

• train

  Etymology Old French train from Latin trahere meaning to drag pull or draw Mean

• chief

  Etymology of Chief The word chief comes from the Old French word chief which in tu

• nation

  Etymology The word nation originates from the Latin word natio which means birth

• Appalachian

  Etymology Appalachian is derived from the Apalachee people a Native American tribe th