Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HERSE, n. [hers; Fr. herse, a harrow, a portcullis, probably from cross-work; radically the same word as harrow, – which see.]

1. In fortification, a lattice or portcullis in the form of a harrow, set with iron spikes. It is hung by a rope fastened to moulinet, and when a gate is broken, it is let down to obstruct the passage. It is called also a sarrasin or cataract, and when it consists of straight stakes without cross-pieces, it is called orgues. Herse is also a harrow, used for a chevaux de frise, and laid in the way or in breaches, with the points up, to obstruct or incommode the march of an enemy. Encyc.
2. A carriage for bearing corpses to the grave. It is a frame only, or a box, borne on wheels.
3. A temporary monument set over a grave. [Unusual and not legitimate.] Weever.
4. A funeral eulogy. [Not used.] W. Browne.