How Do You Spell HERSE?

Pronunciation: [hˈɜːs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "herse" may seem confusing as it contains the silent letter "e". However, the phonetic transcription of the word is /hɜːs/, which helps to explain the spelling. The "h" is pronounced with a slight breath of air, followed by the "er" sound, which is pronounced as in "her". The "s" at the end is pronounced with a soft hissing sound. Despite its unusual spelling, the pronunciation of "herse" is fairly straightforward once you understand the IPA phonetic transcription.

HERSE Meaning and Definition

1. A herse is a term with various meanings depending on the context. In relation to historical funeral customs, a herse refers to a movable frame or structure used for displaying a coffin or corpse during the funeral procession or while lying in state. Typically constructed with ornate decorations and draped with black fabric, the herse was an important part of the funeral ritual, conveying respect and solemnity. It often featured candle holders or torches to provide a source of illumination during nighttime processions.

   The term "herse" is also used in heraldry to describe a particular type of stylized metal frame or support used to display coats of arms. In this context, the herse is typically comprised of four or six metal poles, arranged in the shape of an inverted arch at the top and a rectangle at the bottom. The purpose of a heraldic herse is to visually enhance and emphasize the arms or crests that are displayed on it, often accompanying the funeral achievements of a deceased noble or prominent figure.

   Additionally, in older English literature, a herse can refer to a partition or screen used to separate spaces or stalls. This usage is commonly found in descriptions of medieval churches, where a herse would divide the choir area from the nave.

   Overall, a herse is defined by its function as a framework or structure, utilized in various historical contexts such as funerals, heraldry, and architectural arrangements.

2. A lattice or portcullis in the form of a harrow set with iron spikes; a frame of light woodwork covered with a cloth or pall, and ornamented with banners and lights, set up over a corpse in funeral solemnities; a hearse-which see.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HERSE

• hers3e
• herse3
• ehrse
• hrese
• hherse
• xerse
• lerse
• ierse
• He2se
• Hevse
• Hepse
• Herce
• Herqe
• Hersu
• Hersm
• Hersg
• h erse
• he rse
• her se
• hers e

Etymology of HERSE

The word "Herse" has a complex etymology with origins in multiple languages. It can be traced back to the Latin word "hærsa", which means a harrow or a rake used in agriculture.

From Latin, it was borrowed into Old French as "herce", with a similar meaning of a harrow or rake. In this sense, it referred to a contraption consisting of a frame with spikes or teeth used to break up soil.

Over time, the term "Herse" also came to be associated with various contraptions and structures resembling the harrow. In the Middle Ages, it specifically referred to a structure used to support candles during religious ceremonies or to a moveable barrier made of metal, often adorned with spikes, used for defense or impaling enemies in battle.

Plural form of HERSE is HERSES