Linceul (en. Shroud)

/lɛ̃.sœl/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A sheet or cloth used to wrap a deceased person.
The shroud was made of white linen.
Le linceul était fait de lin blanc.
Symbolically, the shroud can represent death or mourning.
He lived his last day under the shroud of sorrow.
Il a vécu son dernier jour sous le linceul de la tristesse.
In some cultures, the shroud has ritual significance.
The varied customs surrounding the shroud reveal the richness of traditions.
Les coutumes variées autour du linceul révèlent la richesse des traditions.

Etymology

From the Latin 'linteolus' meaning little cloth, deriving from 'linum' for linen.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to put oneself under a shroud
To be buried, to be dead.
se mettre sous un linceul
to wrap up like a shroud
To cover completely.
envelopper comme un linceul

Related Words

funeral
Related to funerals.
funéraire
green
Color symbolizing mourning in some cultures.
verts
ritual
A ceremony often surrounded by traditions.
rituel

Slang Meanings

To be at the end of one's rope, referring to someone who feels very tired.
After this work week, I am almost in a shroud.
Après cette semaine de travail, je suis presque dans un linceul.
To have a deathly look, to be very pale.
He had a shroud-like face after that sleepless night.
Il avait un visage de linceul après cette nuit blanche.