catafalque
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈkætəˌfɔlk/
- Formal
- But like every architectural edifice, the monumental catafalque that Montaigne constructed in the Essais is largely a composition of facades.
- Lincoln catafalque
Examples
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The catafalque was beautifully adorned with flowers and candles for the memorial service.
-
Before me was a catafalque, on which rested a corpse wrapped in funeral vestments.
Fiction book (2001) -
Then they jump back down and, dancing, race in front of and behind the catafalque.
Academic text (1993) -
"And what have we here?" he went on, nodding to what appeared to be a catafalque.
Fiction book (1994) -
In the final episode, the Christian woman lies on a litter atop a catafalque.
Academic text (2003) -
Against the back wall stood a catafalque, on either side of which tall candles were burning, looking almost like torches.
Fiction book (1993) -
He arose and made his way through the empty hallways of the White House to the East Room, where he found a great catafalque draped in black.
Fiction book (1996) -
The portrait may have decorated the catafalque, which consisted of a cupola on eight columns with painted images of the virtues of Charity, Prudence, Piety, and Constancy below.
Academic text (1994) -
During the funeral, the dignitaries paid their respects at the catafalque, where the coffin was displayed.
-
A somber atmosphere filled the room as the catafalque was set up for the late leader's final farewell.
How Ceremonial
Surface Forms
Etymology
Catafalque comes from an old Italian word catafalco, made from Greek parts like kata- meaning 'down' and a part meaning 'to stand' (like the English 'stand'). So a catafalque is a raised or 'standing' platform for a coffin, which is why it is the decorated stand used at funerals.