pallbearer

Everyday

1. One of the people who carry the coffin at a funeral. tree →
2. A person who walks beside the coffin at a funeral as an honour. tree →

In the lessons

In life and church lessons about funerals, pallbearers are usually family members or close friends of the person who died; carrying the coffin is a sign of love and respect. Often there are six pallbearers. The "pall" is the cloth that covers a coffin.

Examples

• Six pallbearers carried the coffin into the church. tree →
• Grandad's grandsons were his pallbearers. tree →
• Being a pallbearer is an honour. tree →
• The pallbearers walked slowly and carefully. tree →
• At the soldier's funeral, the pallbearers wore uniforms. tree →
• She asked her brothers to be pallbearers for their mum. tree →

Note

Countable. One word. "Pall" here means the cloth over a coffin; it is not the same word as "pal" (friend). A sad, respectful word; speak gently about funerals.