Funeral Service Merchandising Glossary (1-50)

Air seal

A method of closure that utilizes the air pressure created by placing the dome of the vault onto the base of the vault, often called the diving bell principle.

Air tray

A transfer container consisting of a wooden tray with a cardboard covering for the casket.

Alternative container

An enclosure for human remains in preparation for cremation. The container is composed of an appropriate combustible material; rigid enough for handling ease; assures the protection of the health and safety of the crematory operator as well as provide appropriate covering for the remains.

Apron

The lining attached to the undersurface of the foot panel of the casket and/or a component part of the throw (overlay) which extends downward into the body of the casket.

Arm

The part of the casket handle that attaches the bar to the lug (ear).

Average (mean)

The sum of a group of numbers divided by the number of units.

Bail handle

A single handle in which the lug, arm, and bar are combined in one unit.

Bar

That part of the casket handle, attached to the lug or arm, which is grasped by the casket bearer.

Base

The lower or supporting part of a monument. In some monuments, there may be a first, second, and third base.

Base molding

Molding along the lowermost edge of the body panels.

Bed

The portion of the casket upon which the human remains are placed.

Bench

A type of cemetery memorial consisting of a top piece supported by two standards; used to identify family burial plots or used in conjunction with a family monument.

Bevel top marker

A small headstone, set above ground, with a slanting top.

Bier

Typically a stand upon which a casket is placed for viewing and services, but sometimes a means of merchandise display.

Bi-unit pricing

A method of price quotation showing separately the price of the service to be rendered and the price of the casket.

Block

A subdivision of a cemetery containing several lots.

Body

That portion of the casket shell containing the top body molding, body panel, base molding, and casket bottom.

Body ledge (top body molding)

A molding along the uppermost edge of the body panels.

Body ledge flange (top body molding flange)

The horizontal portion of the top body molding (body ledge) where the gasket is placed on gasketed caskets.

Body lining

Material which drapes the inside perimeter of the body of the casket.

Body panels

Compose the sides and ends of the casket shell.

Bridge (header, cap filler)

Component part of the cap (lid) on half couch caskets that provides support at the point of the transverse cut.

Broadcloth

A twilled, napped, woolen or worsted fabric with a smooth lustrous face and dense texture; a fabric usually made of cotton, silk, or rayon woven in a plain or rib weave with a soft semi-gloss finish.

Bronze

A metal alloy consisting of 90% copper with tin and sometimes zinc comprising the other 10%.

Brushed finish

Bare metal is scratched with an abrasive material and then finished until a smooth high gloss is obtained.

Burial casket

A casket for interring or entombing human remains.

Cap (lid)

The top most part of the casket shell, including the ogee, crown, pie, and header.

Cap panel

The focal part of the interior which fills the inside of the crown, sometimes bordered by the roll (cove); may be referred to as the panel.

Cash advance items

Any item of service or merchandise obtained from a third party and paid for by the funeral provider on the purchaser’s behalf.

Cash discount

Discounts from quoted prices as an inducement for prompt payment of invoices.

Casket

A rigid container which is designed for the encasement of human remains.

Casket liner

A removable metal unit that is placed inside a wooden casket shell to provide protective qualities.

Casket rack

A device upon which caskets are placed, above the other, for display or storage.

Casket stand

The stand or support upon which a casket rests in the selection room.

Cast bronze

Molten bronze poured into a mold and allowed to cool.

Cast hardware

Production method in which molten metal is poured into a mold, allowed to cool.

Cemetery

An area of ground set aside and dedicated for the final disposition of human remains.

Cenotaph

A monument erected to the memory of the dead, with the human remains not present.

Ceremonial Casket (rental casket)

A reusable casket shell, used for visitations and funerals, with a removable liner in which the deceased is placed that is removed for permanent disposition.

Church truck

A wheeled collapsible support for the casket used in the funeral home, church, or home.

Cloisonné

A crafted metal container with an applied enamel finish.

Coffin

A case or receptacle for dead human remains which is anthropoidal in shape.

Columbarium

A structure, room, or space in a mausoleum or other building containing niches or recesses used to hold cremated remains.

Combination case (Combo)

Transfer container for uncasketed remains consisting of a particle board tray with a cardboard cover.

Combination unit

Any product designed or intended to be used together as both a casket and as a permanent burial receptacle.

Competition based pricing

Setting prices based on the competitor’s strategies, prices, cost and market offerings.

Composition board (particle board, pressed board, fiberboard, and hardboard)

Particles of wood bonded together with waterproof glue; the different types are distinguished by the size and shape of the particles of wood used.

Concrete sectional (sectional)

A grave liner consisting of six or eight slabs of unfinished concrete placed around the casket.

Consecutive method

Placing caskets for selection in their order of increasing or decreasing value.

Consignment

To give to an agent to be cared for or sold and is not paid for until sold.