HERSE, noun hers. 1. In fortification, a lattice or portcullis in the form of a harrow, set with iron spikes. It is hung by a rope fastened to a moulinet, and when a gate is broken, it is let down to obstruct the passage. It is called also a sarrasin or cataract, and when it consists of straight stakes without cross-pieces, it is called orgues. HERSE is also a harrow, used for a chevaux de frise, and laid in the way or in breaches, with the points up, to obstruct or incommode the march of an enemy. 1. A carriage for bearing corpses to the grave. It is a frame only, or a box, as in England, borne on wheels. 2. A temporary monument set over a grave. [Unusual and not legitimate.] 3. A funeral eulogy. [Not used.] HERSE, verb transitive hers. To put on or in a herse 1. To carry to the grave.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI