where does the term pallbearer come from
Some funerals have both pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. Youâll never see pallbearers at a memorial service, however, because there is no casket. The term âpallbearerâ derives from the Latin word âpallium,â a cloth used to cover the deceased back in ancient Rome.Over time, âpalliumâ was shortened to âpall,â a (usually velvet) cloth that covers a coffin, bier or tomb. At a military funeral, the flag covers the casket.ouâll never see pallbearers at a memorial service, however, because there is no casket. The term âpallbearerâ derives from the Latin word âpallium,â a cloth used to cover the deceased back in ancient Rome.