1. A roofed gateway at the entrance to a churchyard, historically used as a shelter for a coffin and mourners before a funeral service.
Usage: Also spelled lychgate.; Chiefly British.; Architectural term.

Examples

• The old stone lichgate at the entrance to the churchyard dates back to the 15th century.
• Mourners gathered under the lichgate while waiting for the funeral service to begin.
• The village church's lichgate features intricate wooden carvings and a slate roof.
• Many English parishes maintain their historic lichgates as important architectural landmarks.
• The lichgate provided shelter from the rain during the funeral procession.