/kat"euh fawk', -fawlk', -falk'/ , n.
1. a raised structure on which the body of a deceased person lies or is carried in state.
2. a hearse.
[ 1635-45; catafalco catafalicum SCAFFOLD, equiv. to cata- CATA- + fal ( a ) wooden siege tower + -icum, neut. of -icus -IC ]