'Herse' definitions:
Definition of 'Herse'
From: GCIDE
- Herse \Herse\ (h[~e]rs), n. [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.) 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. [1913 Webster]
- 2. See Hearse, a carriage for the dead. [1913 Webster]
- 3. A funeral ceremonial. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]