noun
- Plural of lych; a covered gateway or roofed structure at the entrance of a churchyard, traditionally used for sheltering a coffin during a funeral service.
Usage: British English; Also spelled 'lych gate' or 'lich gate'; Primarily historical or architectural context
Examples
- The old church had two beautiful stone lyches at its entrance.
- Medieval lyches were designed to protect the deceased during the funeral procession.
- The village restored several historic lyches in the churchyard.
- Visitors passed through the lyches before entering the cemetery grounds.