catafalque Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a decorated bier on which a coffin rests in state during a funeral

WordNet

Cat"a*falque` noun
Etymology
F., fr. It. catafalco, scaffold, funeral canopy; of uncertain origin; cf. Sp. catafalso, cadahalso, cadalso, Pr. casafalc, OF. chafaut. Cf. Scaffold.
Definitions
  1. A temporary structure sometimes used in the funeral solemnities of eminent persons, for the public exhibition of the remains, or their conveyance to the place of burial.

Webster 1913