I. ˈhərs, ˈhəs noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English herse, from Middle French herce harrow, frame for holding candles, from Latin hirpic-, hirpex harrow, probably of Oscan origin; akin to Oscan hirpus wolf, Latin hircus he-goat
1.
a. : a usually triangular frame of wood or metal designed to hold usually 15 candles and used especially in the Tenebrae service in Holy Week
b. : an elaborate temporary or permanent framework erected over a coffin or tomb of a royal, noble, or distinguished person and often decorated with lighted candles, banners, heraldic devices, and hangings and with memorial verses or epitaphs attached to it
2.
a. archaic : coffin , grave , tomb , monument
b. obsolete : bier 2
3. : a vehicle for conveying the dead (as to the grave)
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1.
a. archaic : to place on a bier or in a coffin
b. : to convey in a hearse
2. : bury , entomb
3. : to shroud as if with a hearse