pallbearer

[pawl-bair-er]

noun

1. one of several persons who carry or attend the coffin at a funeral.

pallbearer

/ ˈpɔːlˌbɛərə /

noun

1. a person who carries or escorts the coffin at a funeral

Word History and Origins

Origin of pallbearer¹

First recorded in 1700–10; pall ¹ + bearer

Example Sentences

At Nielsen’s funeral, the pallbearers carried his coffin to the “Naked Gun” theme.

From Los Angeles Times

The band kept playing as the pallbearers trudged onward.

From Los Angeles Times

After giving a statement to the deputies that morning, Pope arrived at his sister’s funeral, where he was supposed to be a pallbearer, just as everyone was leaving.

From Los Angeles Times

Four pallbearers carried the coffin from the church after the funeral and they were followed by Payne’s parents and Cole.

From Los Angeles Times

It was lifted by pallbearers and carried into the church.

From New York Times