Re: Lying
in State
Posted by R. Berg on February 12,
2003 In Reply to: Lying in State posted
by S. on February 12, 2003
: My thanks in advance for any information
as to the etymology and meaning of the "in state" part of "lying in state".
The
Oxford Engl. Dict. has just a little about this:
"'In state': with great pomp
and solemnity; with a great train; with splendid or honorific trappings and insignia.
'To lie in state': of a dead body, to be ceremoniously exposed to view before
interment."
The OED defines one sense of "state" as "costly and imposing display,
such as befits persons of rank and wealth; splendour, magnificence . . . " Apparently
"lie in state" is connected with that sense.
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