lych-gate

noun

ˈlich-ˌgāt How to pronounce lych-gate (audio)
variants or less commonly
: a roofed gate in a churchyard under which a bier rests during the initial part of the burial service

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lycheyate, from lich body, corpse (from Old English līc) + gate, yate gate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lych-gate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lych-gate

lychee

lych-gate

lychnis

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Lych-gate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lych-gate. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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