Corpse candle

Corpse \Corpse\ (k[^o]rps), n. [OF. cors (sometimes written
   corps), F. corps, L. corpus; akin to AS. hrif womb. See
   {Midriff}, and cf. {Corse}, {Corselet}, {Corps}, {Cuerpo}.]
   1. A human body in general, whether living or dead; --
      sometimes contemptuously. [Obs.]
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   Note: Formerly written (after the French form) corps. See
         {Corps}, n., 1.
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   2. The dead body of a human being; -- used also Fig.
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            He touched the dead corpse of Public Credit, and it
            sprung upon its feet.                 --D. Webster.
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   {Corpse candle}.
      (a) A thick candle formerly used at a lich wake, or the
          customary watching with a corpse on the night before
          its interment.
      (b) A luminous appearance, resembling the flame of a
          candle, sometimes seen in churchyards and other damp
          places, superstitiously regarded as portending death.
          

   {Corpse gate}, the gate of a burial place through which the
      dead are carried, often having a covered porch; -- called
      also {lich gate}.
      [1913 Webster] Corpulence