Burial case – Definition & Meaning

Burial case is a term that is often used in legal and forensic contexts. It refers to the container or casket in which a deceased person is placed for burial or cremation. This article will explore the definition and meaning of burial case, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.

Definitions

A burial case is defined as a container, usually made of wood or metal, in which a deceased person is placed for burial or cremation. It is also known as a coffin or casket. The burial case is designed to protect the body from decay and to provide a dignified way to transport and bury the deceased.

Origin

The history of burial cases can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where pharaohs were buried in ornate sarcophagi made of gold and precious stones. In Europe, burial cases were used as early as the Middle Ages, but they were often simple wooden boxes without any decoration. The use of burial cases became more common in the 19th century when the funeral industry began to develop.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a burial case is “a container for a dead body, typically made of wood or metal and often ornate.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a box in which a corpse is buried or cremated.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a container in which a dead body is buried or cremated.”

Associations

The term burial case is often associated with death, mourning, and funerals. It is also associated with the funeral industry, which provides services and products related to death and burial.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of burial case include coffin, casket, sarcophagus, urn, and burial container.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for burial case, but some related words that are opposite in meaning include birth, life, and vitality.

The same root words

The root word of burial case is “burial,” which refers to the act of burying a dead body. Other related words with the same root include bury, burying ground, cemetery, and interment.

Example Sentences

1. The family chose a beautiful mahogany burial case for their loved one.
2. The funeral director advised the family on the different types of burial cases available.
3. The burial case was carried by six pallbearers to the gravesite.
4. The ancient Egyptians believed that the ornate burial cases would protect the pharaoh’s body in the afterlife.
5. The cremated remains were placed in a small urn instead of a traditional burial case.