burial

Definition

The act of burying; interment; placing remains into the earth.

Etymology

From Middle English beriel, a backformation from Old English byrġels, which was re-interpreted as a plural, itself from byrġan (“to bury”) + -els. By surface analysis, bury + -al, but originally unrelated to this suffix.

Example Sentences

• "His whole family was present at his burial."
• "The mourners listened as the priest performed the burial service of long-time parishioner Wendy Stuart."
• "A dreary year for the Squadron, this 1819, when officers and men fell sick by the shipload and were sent home by the tenderful, when Lemon Valley Hospital was supplemented by the one at High Peak, when Court-Martials were held at the rate of one a fortnight, burials thrice a week, and surveys on foul provisions every other day!"