pallbearer — A person who helps to carry or escort a coffin at a funeral
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A person who helps to carry or escort a coffin at a funeral
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɔːlˌberər/
Example Sentences
- The pallbearers struggled with the heavy oak coffin, wondering if the deceased had been secretly collecting bowling balls.
- Being asked to be a pallbearer is both an honor and a responsibility.
- The pallbearers wore matching black gloves and walked in perfect synchronization.
pallbearer
NOUN[/ˈpɔːlˌberər/]
A person who helps to carry or escort a coffin at a funeral
People carrying a coffin together
The pallbearer works with the undertaker and caretaker
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A 17th-century English compound word formed from 'pall' (a cloth draped over a coffin) and 'bearer' (one who carries). Originally referred to those who held or carried the decorative cloth during funeral processions, though the term later evolved to denote those who physically carry the coffin itself.
Breakdown
pall (a cloth covering for a coffin, from Latin pallium meaning 'cloak') + bearer (one who carries or bears something, from Old English 'beran' meaning 'to carry').
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pallbearers struggled with the heavy oak coffin, wondering if the deceased had been secretly collecting bowling balls.”
“Being asked to be a pallbearer is both an honor and a responsibility.”
“The pallbearers wore matching black gloves and walked in perfect synchronization.”
“He joked that being a pallbearer was the only job where you literally carried your work load.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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