Casket: meaning, definitions and examples
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casket
[ ˈkæs.kɪt ]
funeral item
A casket is a box or container used to hold the remains of a deceased person. Traditionally made of wood or metal, caskets are often elaborately designed and may be lined with fabric. They serve both a practical and a ceremonial purpose, as a means of transporting the body and providing a dignified resting place during services. Caskets can vary in style, size, and materials, reflecting the preferences of the deceased's family and cultural traditions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The family chose a beautiful oak casket for the funeral.
- Caskets are often displayed in funeral homes for viewing.
- During the ceremony, the casket was covered with flowers.
- Some people opt for cremation instead of a traditional casket burial.
- He paid his respects by standing near the casket.
Translations
Translations of the word "casket" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caixão
🇮🇳 कफन
🇩🇪 Sarg
🇮🇩 peti mati
🇺🇦 скриня
🇵🇱 trumna
🇯🇵 棺
🇫🇷 cercueil
🇪🇸 ataúd
🇹🇷 tabut
🇰🇷 관
🇸🇦 تابوت
🇨🇿 rakve
🇸🇰 rakva
🇨🇳 棺材
🇸🇮 krsta
🇮🇸 kista
🇰🇿 табыт
🇬🇪 კოფერი
🇦🇿 tabut
🇲🇽 ataúd
Etymology
The word 'casket' originates from the Middle French term 'casquet', which refers to a small case or box. This, in turn, is derived from the Latin 'casserium', meaning 'a small box'. Initially, the term was used for decorative boxes or containers, often for precious items such as jewels, and it later evolved to refer specifically to coffins used for burials. The language underwent changes over time, and by the 19th century, 'casket' became widely associated with funerary practices in the English-speaking world. This shift illustrates how the term's use transitioned from one associated with luxury and adornment to a more somber application, reflecting societal attitudes towards death and memorialization.