lych gate

British  

/ lɪtʃ /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of lych gate

C15: lich, from Old English līc corpse

Example Sentences

They came to the lych gate, and the crowd jostled itself in its admiration.

From Robin Hood by Wyeth, N. C. (Newell Convers)

The church is very picturesquely situated on sloping ground, an avenue of yews leading from the lych gate to the porch.

From What to See in England A Guide to Places of Historic Interest, Natural Beauty or Literary Association by Home, Gordon

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 Stones of the Temple Lessons from the Fabric and Furniture of the Church by Field, Walter

The newly banded guard of Royal bowmen, gay in their scarlet and white livery, were formed up in two straight lines from the church door to the lych gate.

From Robin Hood by Wyeth, N. C. (Newell Convers)

As he was passing by the Church he noticed an old man, very poorly dressed in an old grey coat with the collar turned up, leaning over the lych gate, in floods of tears.

From Eminent Victorians by Strachey, Giles Lytton