lych gate

/ lɪtʃ /

noun

1. a roofed gate to a churchyard, formerly used during funerals as a temporary shelter for the bier

Word History and Origins

Origin of lych gate¹

C15: lich, from Old English līc corpse

Example Sentences

"It's a pity they should have chosen the day of the Eton and Harrow match for the funeral," old General Grego was saying as he stood, his top hat in his hand, under the shadow of the lych gate, wiping his face with his handkerchief.

From Project Gutenberg

I've been thinking," at length said Matthew, "that it's ten years since you and I, sir, and Mr. Acres, met at the old lych gate in that terrible storm.

From Project Gutenberg

He turned towards the lych gate.

From Project Gutenberg

See Church Colors 58   Liturgy 172   Liturgies, Table of 173   Lord's Day, The 175    not the Sabbath 235   Lord's Prayer, The 176    When said by Priest alone 176   Lord's Supper, wrong use of the term 177   Lord's Table, The 177   Low Celebration 177   Low Sunday 178   Luke, Festival of Saint 178   Lych Gate 179   Magna Charta 179   Magnificat 180    Daily Memorial of Incarnation 180   Maniple 180   Manual Acts 180   Mark, Feast of Saint 181   Marriage 181    Sacramental 182    Vow 35   Mary.

From Project Gutenberg

Lych Gate.—The word "lych," derived from the Anglo-Saxon lie, or the German leiche, means a body, especially a dead body, a corpse.

From Project Gutenberg