Literary notes about lich (AI summary)
The term "lich" appears in literature with a rich tapestry of meanings, evolving over time and context. In medieval and early texts it can denote a state of lifelessness or be linked with death, as seen in its use to label a "corpse-gate" where a body may lie during a funeral procession ([1], [2]). At the same time, the word also surfaces in poetic and descriptive contexts to suggest a resemblance or likeness, as in archaic verse where it conveys characteristics comparable to a beast or an age-long figure ([3], [4], [5]). In later literary works, such as those by Tolstoy, variations like "Savélich" and "Vasílich" illustrate its adaptation into colloquial language, enriching character dialogue and regional flavor ([6], [7], [8], [9]). Moreover, its architectural application—as in structures marking churchyards and village entrances—emphasizes the term’s enduring association with transitions between worlds, both physical and metaphysical ([10], [11], [12]).
- At the entrance of the churchyard there is often a lich-gate, i.e. a corpse-gate, where the body may rest while the funeral procession is formed.
— from English Villages by P. H. Ditchfield - Lych is the Saxon word for a dead body, from which Lich-field, “the field of dead bodies,” is derived.
— from English Villages by P. H. Ditchfield - So forto lede thi manhiede, That thou ne be noght lich a beste.
— from Confessio Amantis; Or, Tales of the Seven Deadly Sins by John Gower - 480 An othre thing, who that recordeth, Lich unto this ensample acordeth, Which in the tale of Troie I finde.
— from Confessio Amantis; Or, Tales of the Seven Deadly Sins by John Gower - And lich an Angel sang withal; Bot he nomore than the wal Tok hiede of eny thing he herde.
— from Confessio Amantis; Or, Tales of the Seven Deadly Sins by John Gower - When he awoke on the Thursday, Savélich came to ask him about packing for the journey.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - “The count’s books.” “Leave it, Vasílich will put it away.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - “Well, Savélich, do you still not wish to accept your freedom?”
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - Are you starting tomorrow?” asked Savélich.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - There are a number of old timbered houses remaining in the city, especially in Friar Street, near the city gaol, and in Lich Street.
— from The Motor Routes of England: Western Section by Gordon Home - The church is on a hill, with an old lich-gate, like that at Beckenham, though not so large.
— from The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 3 (of 3)
Everlasting Calerdar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac by William Hone - STEVENAGE CHURCH The old Church of St. Nicholas, ¾ mile N.E., is reached through an avenue of limes and chestnuts, headed by a new lich-gate.
— from Hertfordshire by Herbert W. (Herbert Winckworth) Tompkins