lich gate

or lych gate

noun

1. a roofed gate to a churchyard under which a bier is set down during a burial service to await the coming of the clergyman.

lich gate

/ lɪtʃ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of lych gate

Word History and Origins

Origin of lich gate¹

First recorded in 1475–85

Example Sentences

At the entrance to the graveyard is the lich-gate and mortuary, where many wrecked seamen were taken for burial.

From Project Gutenberg

She referred to the thick, solid, stone wall enclosing the grounds, and the beautiful lich-gate that stood over the entrance.

From Project Gutenberg

By a little judicious elbowing, Dorothy managed to secure a place where she had a tolerable view of the path and the lich-gate.

From Project Gutenberg

As we came to the bend I threw a glance over my shoulder, to see four figures that I knew standing without the lich-gate.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing remained save a delicate fragrance of violets under the lich-gate, beneath which she had passed.

From Project Gutenberg