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

A quiet, peaceful spot it is, entered by a lych-gate and surrounded by a small "God's acre."

From Project Gutenberg

Look to it: him that is last at the lych-gate Sir Daniel shall reward.

From Project Gutenberg

They passed the lych-gate of the churchyard, and then, following a sudden impulse, Radmore turned into the post-office.

From Project Gutenberg

Then we went up to the cemetery on the hill, with that beautiful lych-gate you were so fond of.

From Project Gutenberg

Her back was turned to the village and to the lych-gate, and she was looking up at poor Eustace's bug-bear—the barn-like chancel.

From Project Gutenberg