catafalque

American  

[kat-uh-fawk, -fawlk, -falk] / ˈkæt əˌfɔk, -ˌfɔlk, -ˌfælk /

noun

1. a raised structure on which the body of a deceased person lies or is carried in state.

2. a hearse.

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catafalque British  

/ ˈkætəˌfælk /

noun

1. a temporary raised platform on which a body lies in state before or during a funeral

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Etymology

Origin of catafalque

1635–45; < French < Italian catafalco < Late Latin *catafalicum scaffold, equivalent to cata- cata- + fal ( a ) wooden siege tower + -icum, neuter of -icus -ic

Example Sentences

Unlike at many such events, people were allowed to move at an unhurried pace, flowing in concentric circles around the casket set atop the same catafalque used in 1865 to hold Abraham Lincoln’s body.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2025

Many held their phones aloft while approaching the catafalque.

From Washington Post • Jan. 2, 2023

"He stepped off the carpet in the direction of the catafalque, then grabbed hold of the Royal Standard flag draped over the coffin with both of his hands," Mr Staton said.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2022

Throughout the four and a half-day vigil, guards stand around the catafalque, a raised platform upon which the coffin rests, rotating their watch every 20 minutes.

From Reuters • Sep. 15, 2022

A catafalque carrying Harrison’s black casket led the cortege and was followed immediately by Harrison’s beloved Kentucky mare, stirrups crossed on its empty saddle.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson