Bier

Bier

A bier is a stand on which a corpse, coffin, or casket containing a corpse, is placed to lie in state or to be carried to the grave.

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Famous quotes containing the word bier:

    In sorrow by thy bier we stand,
    Amid the awe that hushes all,
    And speak the anguish of a land
    That shook with horror at thy fall.
    William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)

    For the first fourteen years for a rod they do whine,
    For the next as a pearl in the world they do shine,
    For the next trim beauty beginneth to swerve,
    For the next matrons or drudges they serve,
    For the next doth crave a staff for a stay,
    For the next a bier to fetch them away.
    Thomas Tusser (c. 1520–1580)

    Ah, broken is the golden bowl! the spirit flown forever!
    Let the bell toll!—a saintly soul floats on the Stygian river;
    And, Guy De Vere, hast thou no tear?—weep now or never more!
    See! on yon drear and rigid bier low lies thy love, Lenore!
    Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)