burial with the dead; interment alongside
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to be buried alive or with grave goods alongside the deceased
archaicA cruel ancient funerary practice where servants, concubines, or treasures were interred with a deceased ruler or noble to serve them in the afterlife. Often synonymous with '殉葬'.
In ancient times, some emperors would use living people for burial with the dead.
Many burial figurines were discovered in this ancient tomb.
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Bronze vessels as grave goods are common in Shang Dynasty tombs.
verb
to have one's coffin buried near that of an emperor or husband
archaicA specific honor or familial practice in imperial China, indicating close association or subordination even in death. Refers to the interment of the coffin itself, not live burial.
After his death, this meritorious official was granted the special honor of being buried beside the imperial mausoleum.
According to the old rules, only the principal wife was qualified to be interred beside her husband's tomb.
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The archaeological team discovered three subsidiary burial tombs next to the main burial chamber.