Herse (?), n. [F. herse harrow, portcullis, OF. herce, LL. hercia, L. hirpex, gen. hirpicis, and irpex, gen. irpicis, harrow. The LL. hercia signifies also a kind of candlestick in the form of a harrow, having branches filled with lights, and placed at the head of graves or cenotaphs; whence herse came to be used for the grave, coffin, or chest containing the dead. Cf. Hearse.] 1. Fort. A kind of gate or portcullis, having iron bars, like a harrow, studded with iron spikes. It is hung above gateways so that it may be quickly lowered, to impede the advance of an enemy.
Farrow.
2. See Hearse, a carriage for the dead.
3. A funeral ceremonial. [Obs.]
Spenser.
© Webster 1913.
Herse, v. t. Same as Hearse, v. t.
Chapman.
© Webster 1913. | 
