First Known Use: 1641
Dictionary
catafalque
noun cat·a·falque \ˈka-tə-ˌfȯ(l)k, -ˌfalk\
Definition of CATAFALQUE
1
: an ornamental structure sometimes used in funerals for the lying in state of the body
2
: a pall-covered coffin-shaped structure used at requiem masses celebrated after burial
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Origin of CATAFALQUE
Italian catafalco, from Vulgar Latin *catafalicum scaffold, from cata- + Latin fala siege tower
Other Christian Religious Terms
Rhymes with CATAFALQUE
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