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Catafalque: meaning, definitions and examples

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catafalque

 

[ ˈkætəˌfɔːk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

funeral ceremony

A catafalque is a raised platform or support used to display the coffin of a deceased person during a funeral or memorial service. It can be ornately decorated and serves as a focal point for the mourning attendees. Traditionally, catafalques are often used in state funerals and important memorials to honor the deceased. The term originates from the Latin word 'catafalicum', which relates to a place prepared for the dead. In modern use, the design of a catafalque can range from simple and understated to grand and elaborate, reflecting the status of the individual who has passed away and the wishes of the family. The catafalque is often adorned with flowers and personal items, allowing family and friends to pay their final respects.

Synonyms

coffin platform, death bed, funeral platform

Examples of usage

  • The catafalque was beautifully decorated with flowers.
  • During the ceremony, the catafalque was the center of attention.
  • A catafalque was set up in the hall for the memorial service.
  • The state's catafalque held the coffin of the deceased president.

Translations

Translations of the word "catafalque" in other languages:

🇵🇹 catafalco

🇮🇳 काताफ़ाल्क

🇩🇪 Katafalk

🇮🇩 katafalque

🇺🇦 катефалк

🇵🇱 katafalk

🇯🇵 カタファルク

🇫🇷 catafalque

🇪🇸 catafalco

🇹🇷 katafalka

🇰🇷 카타팔크

🇸🇦 كاتافالك

🇨🇿 katafalk

🇸🇰 katafalk

🇨🇳 灵柩架

🇸🇮 katafalk

🇮🇸 katarfalk

🇰🇿 катефалк

🇬🇪 კატაფალკი

🇦🇿 katafalq

🇲🇽 catafalco

Etymology

The word 'catafalque' derives from the Latin term 'catafalicum', which refers to a structure laid out for the dead. This term is rooted in the Greek 'kataphalkos', which has a similar meaning. Historically, catafalques have been used in various cultures for centuries, evolving in design and significance over time. In ancient Rome, catafalques were often elaborate and used for public figures, showcasing their status and the grandeur of the state. The use of catafalques in funerary traditions emphasized the importance of honoring the dead, reflecting societal values around death and remembrance. In the medieval period, catafalques began to appear in Christian burial practices, often crafted from wood and representing a physical space for the dead during rituals. Their use has continued to persist into modern times, especially in state funerals and significant memorials, symbolizing respect for the deceased and providing a space for grieving loved ones to gather.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,870, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.