Bier
[bɪə] or [bɪr]
Definition
(noun.) a stand to support a corpse or a coffin prior to burial.
(noun.) a coffin along with its stand; 'we followed the bier to the graveyard'.
Inputed by Deborah--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A handbarrow or portable frame on which a corpse is placed or borne to the grave.
(n.) A count of forty threads in the warp or chain of woolen cloth.
Typed by Hector
Definition
n. a carriage or frame of wood for bearing the dead to the grave.
Edited by Babbage
Unserious Contents or Definition
To see one, indicates disastrous losses and the early dissolution of a dear relative. To see one, strewn with flowers in a church, denotes an unfortunate marriage.
Typist: Owen
Examples
- I saw her, and anger, and hate, and injustice died at her bier, giving place at their departure to a remorse (Great God, that I should feel it! Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- So, with hushed steps and in silence, we placed the dead on a bier of ice, and then, departing, stood on the rocky platform beside the river springs. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- Many of his vassals had assembled at the news of his death, and followed the bier with all the external marks, at least, of dejection and sorrow. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- They brought a hand-bier, and laid him on it, and covered him with a flag, and took him up and bore him on towards the houses. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- But when they set the bier down on the threshold, they looked at one another, and at me, and whispered. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Rather a bier for a bed, the grave for a home. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Every where I turn I see the same figure--her bloodless arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier. Mary Shelley. Frankenstein_Or_The Modern Prometheus.
- And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- There was nothing whatever in this dim marble prison but five more of these biers. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
Inputed by Betty