ˈkad.əˌfalk, ˈkatə-, -fȯ(l)k noun
also cat·a·fal·co ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈfal(ˌ)kō
( plural catafalques also catafalcoes )
Etymology: Italian catafalco, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin catafalicum scaffold, irregular from cata- + Latin fala siege tower
1. : an ornamental sometimes very elaborate structure used in many churches in solemn funerals for the lying in state of the body
2. : a pall-covered coffin-shaped structure used at requiem masses celebrated after burial
3. : hearse