Re: Lying
in State
Posted by R. Berg on February 12,
2003 In Reply to: Re: Lying in State posted
by ESC 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.
:
I saw Col. Sanders "lie in state" in the Kentucky capitol. Just a little bit of
history for you.
Did they surround him with fries and coleslaw?
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