lich gate

a roofed gate to a churchyard under which a bier is set down during a burial service to await the coming of the clergyman.

Also called resurrection gate.

Origin of lich gate

First recorded in 1475–85

The German leichengang has precisely the same meaning as our Lich-Gate.

Stones of the Temple |Walter Field
By a little judicious elbowing, Dorothy managed to secure a place where she had a tolerable view of the path and the lich-gate.

A Pair of Schoolgirls |Angela Brazil
He did not intend to arrive at the lich-gate until that dream-motor had glided noiselessly out of sight.

The Following of the Star |Florence L. Barclay
In many places this cross has been lately restored to its proper place, near to the Lich-Gate.

Stones of the Temple |Walter Field

At the entrance to the graveyard is the lich-gate and mortuary, where many wrecked seamen were taken for burial.

The Cornwall Coast |Arthur L. Salmon

lich gate

/ (lɪtʃ) /

a variant spelling of lych gate