What does pall mean?
Pall is a formal word with two principal uses. As a noun, it denotes the cloth covering a coffin or corpse during a funeral, a meaning closely associated with mourning and ceremonial practice. As a verb, it means that something becomes less interesting, appealing, or exciting, often in the phrase “pall over.” The expression can describe a mood, event, or experience that loses its appeal with time: a celebration may pall over, or initial enthusiasm may pall. The word is more literary and ceremonially suggestive than everyday alternatives such as “fade” or “become boring.” Its combination of meanings gives it a memorable range: it can refer literally to a covering associated with death and figuratively to the effect of something that dampens enthusiasm. Although its historical associations are solemn, modern uses of the verb are not restricted to morbid contexts.
A cloth covering placed over a coffin or corpse at a funeral.
"The pall was slowly drawn across the coffin."
Formal and chiefly associated with funerals and mourning.
To become less interesting, appealing, or exciting.
"The novelty of the new routine soon palled."
Usually used figuratively and often found in the phrase “pall over.”
The plural palls is standard when referring to more than one funerary cloth or covering.
"The pall bearers lowered the pall with solemn care."
A pall once covered the dead, while the modern verb suggests that something has been made less appealing by a covering of dullness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pall come from?
English pall comes through Middle English palle from Old English pæll, meaning a cloth or covering, ultimately from Latin pallium, “cloak” or “mantle.” The noun retained the sense of a covering, especially a funerary cloth, while the verb developed later from the idea of covering or obscuring something and losing its power to attract interest.
How pall is actually used
The noun is formal and associated with funerals, mourning, and ceremonial tradition. The verb is literary and figurative; “pall over” is especially common, while the standalone verb often appears in expressions such as “the novelty palled.”
Easily confused with pall
Pall means a funeral cloth or the act of becoming less appealing, whereas pale describes a person or thing that is light in color or lacking color.