Definition of the word pall

The word "pall" originates from the Latin word "pallium," which means a cloak or covering. In Latin, a pallium referred to a long cloak worn by ancient Romans, typically as a symbol of authority, honor, or mourning. The word "pall" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French "palle," and retain its original meaning of a cloak or covering. In English, the word "pall" has taken on additional meanings over time. In a figurative sense, a pall can refer to a covering or shadow that obscures or conceals something, such as a pall of anxiety or a pall of confusion. In funeral contexts, a pall is a cloth or fabric that covers the casket or memorial, symbolizing mourning or reverence. Throughout its evolution, the word "pall" has maintained a connection to concepts of covering, concealment, and reverence.