Pallbearers etymology. In medieval times the term pallium was shortened to pall. Etymons: pall n. By examining the etymology of ‘pallbearer,’ we gain insight not only into the development of funeral customs but also Pallbearer The pall in pallbearer originally refers to a cloak or mantle. . The name for the covering is from Latin pallium, which is used to designate the usually white (sometimes purple) woolen band that is worn over the chasuble by a pope or archbishop as a symbol of full episcopal authority. "one who with others attends the coffin at a funeral," 1707, from pall (n. A pallbearer is one of several participants who help carry the casket at a funeral. However, the origin of this word carries layers of history and cultural context that reveal its deeper meaning and evolution. Sep 29, 2025 ยท The word ‘pallbearer’ may seem straightforward at first glance, commonly used to describe someone who helps carry a casket during a funeral. The individuals who carry the casket at a funeral service, pallbearer literally means the people who bear the ‘pall,’ the pall being the heavy cloth traditionally draped over the coffin or casket of the deceased. zvas spss brbm xirx vlq defbv awfh ilr gwdgo qcgi