Corpse (k?rps), n. [OF. cors (sometimes written corps), F. corps, L. corpus; akin to AS. hrif womb. See [Midriff], and cf. [Corse], [Corselet], [Corps], [Cuerpo].]

1.

A human body in general, whether living or dead; -- sometimes contemptuosly.

[Obs.]

Formerly written (after the French form) corps. See [Corps], n., 1.

2.

The dead body of a human being; -- used also Fig.

He touched the dead corpse of Public Credit, and it sprung upon its feet. D. Webster.

[Corpse candle]. (a) A thick candle formerly used at a lich wake, or the customary watching with a corpse on the night before its interment. (b) A luminous appearance, resembling the flame of a candle, sometimes seen in churchyards and other damp places, superstitiously regarded as portending death. -- [Corpse gate], the gate of a burial place through which the dead are carried, often having a covered porch; -- called also [lich gate].

© [Webster 1913].

corpse (definition)