1. a roofed gateway or covered entrance to a churchyard, traditionally used for sheltering a coffin during the opening of a burial service
Usage: chiefly British; also spelled 'lych gate' or 'lich gate'

Examples

• The village church had a beautiful stone lych dating back to the 15th century.
• The funeral procession paused at the lych before entering the churchyard.
• Many old English churches are distinguished by their ornate lych structures.
• The lych provided shelter for mourners during the graveside service.