Glossary Of Terms Used
In The Funeral Industry
ALGOR MORTIS - The cooling of the body immediately after death to room temperature
and temporary stiffening of the muscles.
AMBULANCE - An automotive vehicle especially constructed and equipped to transport
injured, sick or incapacitated persons.
APPRENTICE - The name generally applied to an individual learning the embalming and
funeral directing procedure under the supervision of a licensee.
ARRANGEMENT ROOM - A room of the funeral home used to make the necessary
funeral arrangements with the family of the deceased.
ASPIRATE - Process of withdrawing fluids and gases from the abdominal cavity.
BACKGROUND DRAPES - Decorative drapes (usually made of velour) arranged on a
frame and placed behind the casket as a background,
BEREAVED - (N) The immediate family of the deceased. (V) suffering from grief upon
the death of a loved one.
BURIAL - Placing of a dead body in an underground chamber - earth burial- interment
BURIAL CERTIFICATE OR PERMIT - A legal paper issued by the local government
authorizing burial. The permit may authorize earth burial or cremation or removal to a
distant point.
BURIAL GARMENTS - Wearing apparel made especially for the dead.
BURIAL INSURANCE - An insurance policy in which the principal is paid in a funeral
service and merchandise rather than cash.
CANOPY - A roof like structure projecting from the outside wall over the driveway
allowing passengers to board and alight from vehicles without being directly exposed to
the elements - sometimes construed as a portable canvas shelter used to cover the
grave area during committal service.
CASKET - A receptacle of wood, metal or plastic into which the dead human body is
placed for burial. Sometimes referred to as "coffin" or "burial case"
CASKET COACH - Hearse - A motor coach designed and used for the conveyance of
the casketed remains from the place the funeral service is conducted to the cemetery.
Also known as a Funeral Coach.
CASKETING - Placing of the body in the casket upon completion of embalming,
dressing and cosmetizing.
CASKET RACK - A device which allows caskets to be placed one on top of the other for
display purposes.
CASKET VEIL - A silk or net transparent covering for the casket for the purpose of
keeping flies and other insects from the remains.
CATAFALQUE - A stand upon which the casketed remains rest while instate and during
the funeral service.
CEMETERY - An area of ground set aside for burial or entombment of the deceased.
CENOTAPH - An empty tomb or monument erected in memory or a person buried
elsewhere.
CERTIFIED DEATH CERTIFICATE - A legalized copy of the original certificate, issued
upon request by the local government for the purpose of substantiating various claims by
the family of the deceased such as insurance and other death benefits.
CHAPEL - A large room of the funeral home in which the farewell service is held.
CHURCH TRUCK - A collapsible catafalque used for funerals.
CLIENTS - Those who employ the services of the funeral director.
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