noun
bier
BEER/bɪr/
A stand on which a coffin or dead body rests before burial.
The coffin rests on a wooden bier inside the chapel.
Etymology
The Old English word named a carrying frame or litter and is related to bear, meaning “carry.” Its general load-bearing function narrowed to supporting a coffin or corpse before burial.
In context
his true comrade lying dead upon his bier.
More examples
- Pallbearers lift the bier at the end of the service.
- Flowers surround the ceremonial bier.
- The procession follows the bier through the village.
Forms
bier · biers
Similar words
- casket
- The container holding the body rather than its support.
- stretcher
- Carries a person, usually for medical transport.