\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.
2. See {Hearse}, a carriage for the dead.
3. A funeral ceremonial. [Obs.] --Spenser.

\Herse\, v. t.
Same as {Hearse}, v. t. --Chapman.