The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Herse \Herse\, v. t.
Same as Hearse, v. t. --Chapman.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Herse \Herse\ (h[~e]rs), 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.
[1913 Webster]
2. See Hearse, a carriage for the dead.
[1913 Webster]
3. A funeral ceremonial. [Obs.] --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]