MEANING
A person who carries or helps escort a coffin at a funeral.
Use it for
Shared funeral duties, physical burden, chosen bonds of loyalty.Show who is entrusted with the dead through a practical ceremonial role.
Words that belong together
- serve as a pallbearer
- six pallbearers
- honorary pallbearer
On the page
One pallbearer stumbled on the church steps.
She asked her father's oldest friend to serve as a pallbearer.
The pallbearers waited for a signal before lifting the coffin.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- pallbearer
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. Historically associated with holding the pall; modern duties vary and may be honorary. Plural pallbearers.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.