1. A vehicle for carrying a coffin to a church or a cemetery; formerly drawn by horses but now usually a motor vehicle
   "The sombre black herse led the funeral procession through town";
   - hearse
    
2. A portcullis or defensive grating, often spiked, hung over a gateway to be lowered for protection
   "The castle's herse crashed down, blocking the invaders' path"

Derived forms: herses

Type of: automotive vehicle, motor vehicle

Encyclopedia: Herse