bier

/biə/

Thân thiện

The pallbearers carry the bier slowly toward the open grave.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stand or framework for supporting a coffin or a corpse before burial: A "bier" is a structure, often a simple wooden frame or platform, upon which a coffin or the body of the deceased is placed for viewing or during a funeral procession to the burial site.
   • A coffin together with its supporting stand: The term can also refer to the combined unit of the coffin and the stand on which it rests.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The coffin rested on a simple wooden bier in the center of the church.
  • Pallbearers carried the bier slowly from the hearse to the graveside.
  • The body was placed on a bier for the wake.

Advanced Usage

• "To follow the bier": To walk in a funeral procession behind the coffin and its stand.
  • The entire village followed the bier to the cemetery.

Variants and Related Words

• Catafalque (n): A decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during a funeral or lying in state. (A more elaborate and ceremonial structure than a simple bier).

Synonyms

• Coffin stand
• Funeral bier
• Hearse (Note: A hearse is specifically a vehicle for transporting the coffin, not the stationary stand, but the words are related in the funeral context).

Related Phrases

• To bear the bier: To act as a pallbearer and carry the bier.
  • It was an honor for the sons to bear their father's bier.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a stand to support a corpse or a coffin prior to burial
2. a coffin along with its stand
   • we followed the bier to the graveyard