1. A roofed gateway at the entrance to a churchyard, traditionally used as a shelter for a coffin before burial.
Usage: British English; Also spelled 'lychgate'; Primarily architectural/historical

Examples

• The village church has a beautiful stone lichgate dating back to the 15th century.
• Mourners gathered under the lichgate while waiting for the funeral service to begin.
• Many English parishes feature ornate lichgates as entrances to their churchyards.
• The lichgate provided shelter for the pallbearers during the procession.
• Historic lichgates are now protected as important architectural heritage sites.