Hearse,

Hearse, or HERSE (through Fr. from Lat. hirpea, 'a harrow'), the carriage in which the dead are conveyed to the grave, but originally the term applied to a triangular bar or framework with upright spikes for holding candles at a church service, and especially at funeral services. It was originally very simple in form, but in the 15th and 16th centuries hearses of great splendour came into use, and were erected in the churches over the bodies of distinguished personages. The framework was of iron or brass, sometimes of beautiful workmanship, square, octagonal, &c. in plan, with pillars at the angles, and arched framework above forming a canopy. The whole was hung over with rich cloths and embroidery, and lighted up with hundreds of wax candles, and decorated with wax images. From this the transition to the modern funeral hearse can be easily traced. In Catholic churches the old hearse still exists as a triangle with spikes, on which candles are placed.