Corpse \Corpse\ (k[^o]rps), n. [OF. cors (sometimes written corps), F. corps, L. corpus; akin to AS. hrif womb. See Midriff, and cf. Corse, Corselet, Corps, Cuerpo.]

1. A human body in general, whether living or dead; -- sometimes contemptuously. [Obs.]

Note: Formerly written (after the French form) corps. See Corps, n., 1.

2. The dead body of a human being; -- used also Fig.

He touched the dead corpse of Public Credit, and it sprung upon its feet. --D. Webster.

Corpse candle.
   (a) A thick candle formerly used at a lich wake, or the customary watching with a corpse on the night before its interment.
   (b) A luminous appearance, resembling the flame of a candle, sometimes seen in churchyards and other damp places, superstitiously regarded as portending death.

Corpse gate, the gate of a burial place through which the dead are carried, often having a covered porch; -- called also lich gate.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)