Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Catafalque \Cat"a*falque`\, n. [F., fr. It. catafalco, scaffold,
   funeral canopy; of uncertain origin; cf. Sp. catafalso,
   cadahalso, cadalso, Pr. casafalc, OF. chafaut. Cf.
   {Scaffold}.]
   A temporary structure sometimes used in the funeral
   solemnities of eminent persons, for the public exhibition of
   the remains, or their conveyance to the place of burial.

Source : WordNet®

catafalque
     n : a decorated bier on which a coffin rests in state during a
         funeral