Alternative Container
an unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed-wood, composition materials (with or withou
Artificial grass
imitation grass made in mat form and used at the cemetery to cover the earth around the grave.
Base
the lower or supporting part of a monument. In some monuments, there may be a first, second, and third base.
Bevel Top Marker
a small headstone, set above ground, with a slightly slanting top.
Block
a subdivision of a cemetery containing several lots.
Burial Vault
outer enclosure for caskets placed in the grave; originally intended to prevent grave robbery.
Canopy (Cemetery tent)
a portable shelter employed to cover the grave area during the
committal.
Catacombs
originated in ancient Rome as excavated cemeteries cutout of soft rock for the tombs of wealthy Christians; later became a place for religious rites to avoid persecution.
Cemetery
an area of ground set aside and dedicated for the final disposition of dead human bodies.
Cenotaph
a monument erected to the memory of the dead, with the dead human body not present.
Columbarium
a structure, room, or space in a mausoleum or other building containing niches or recesses used to hold cremated remains.
Corrugated Container
a container used to hold a dead human body which is constructed out of a type of cardboard, which is made with a series of alternate folds and ridges.
Cremated Remains
the result of the reduction of a dead body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat.
Cremation Casket
an environmentally safe casket which is designed for encasing dead human remains for cremation.
Cremation
the reduction of a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat in a specifically designed retort or chamber.
Cremation Association of North America
founded in 1913, CANA is an international organization of geriatricians, cremationists, funeral directors, industry suppliers and consultants. CANA was originally formed to promote cremation as a modern, safe and hygienic way of dealing with a dead human
Crematory (Crematorium)
a furnace or retort for cremating dead human bodies; a
building that houses a retort.
Crypt
a chamber in a mausoleum, of sufficient size, generally used to contain the casketed remains of a deceased person.
Die (Tablet)
main part of a monument, the upright portion above the base where the inscription is located.
Entombment
the placing of remains in a crypt in a mausoleum.
Epitaph
an inscription placed on a monument to commemorate the deeds or qualities of the departed.
Flush Marker
a small headstone which is set with its top even with the surrounding terrain.
Grave
an excavation in the earth as a place for interment.
Graveside Service
a ceremony or ritual, religious or otherwise, conducted at the grave.
Grave Straps
webbing or similar material used for lowering the casket into the grave
Horizontal Tablet
a type of cemetery monument in which the die is wider than it is tall.
Inter (lnhume)
to bury in the ground.
Interment (Burial, Inhumement/lnhumation)
the act of placing the dead human body in the ground.
Inurnment
the act of placing cremains in an urn. (CANA definition) act of placing cremated remains in a niche or grave.
Lawncrypt
grave space where two or more persons may be buried in grave liners, which have been stacked one on top of the other with the first person who dies being buried in the deepest grave liner, with subsequent burials on top.
Lot
a subdivision of a cemetery which consists of several graves or interment spaces.
Lowering device
a mechanical device used to lower a casket into the ground.
Marker
a small headstone, usually of one piece, used to identify individual graves.
Mausoleum
an above ground structure or building containing crypts or vaults for entombment of caskets; which may also include niches for cremated remains.
Mausoleum Crypt
chamber within a mausoleum or building structure, usually constructed of reinforced concrete, can be assembled above or below ground. Memorial m a physical object that is designed for the purpose of remembering.
Memorial Gathering
a scheduled assembly of family and friends following a death.
Memorial Park
a cemetery or section of a cemetery with only flush to the ground type markers.
Memorial Service
funeral rites with the body not present.
Monument
a structure, usually of stone or metal, erected to commemorate the life, deeds, or career of a deceased person; derived from the Latin word meaning "to remind.
Mound Burial
ancient Viking custom; after deceased was placed in his boat with items necessary for the spirit to maintain the position held on earth, all was cremated and the pyre then covered with earth. (F&S)
National Cemetery
a cemetery created and maintained under an Act of Congress for burial of veterans of military service and their eligible family members.
Niche
a recess or space in a columbarium used for the permanent placing of cremated remains. The aesthetic covering for the foot cap or inner foot panel of the casket.
Ossuary
receptacle for communal placement of cremated remains.
Perpetual Care
an arrangement made by the cemetery whereby funds are set aside, the income from which is used to maintain the cemetery indefinitely.
Pouch
a leak resistant zippered bag designed to contain a dead human body and body fluids and is used mainly for the removal of dead human remains from the place of death.
Receiving Vault
a structure so designed for the temporary storage of bodies which are not to be immediately interred.
Retort
the burning chamber in a crematory.
Scattering Garden
a section in a cemetery set aside for the scattering of cremated human remains.
Section
a subdivision of a cemetery containing several blocks.
Sexton
one who is in charge of the cemetery; the caretaker of a church. Historically, the church caretaker who had responsibility for church property, ringing of bells and digging of graves in the churchyard cemetery. During the Middle Ages most funeral practice
Slant Marker
a cemetery marker that has a face that has an angle greater than 45 degrees but less than 90 degrees in relationship to the terrain.
Tomb
a general term designating those places suitable for the reception of a dead human body.
Undeveloped
real estate property that is part of the cemetery but is not presently suitable for interment, entombment, or inurnment.
Urn
a Container for cremated remains; a vase with a foot or pedestal.
Vertical Tablet
a type of cemetery monument in which the die is taller than it is wide.
Abatement
a proportional reduction of a legacy under a will when assets out of which such legacy are payable are not sufficent to pay it in full
Acceptance
an agreement to an offer resulting in a contract
Accord and Satisfaction
an agreement made and executed in satisfaction of the rights one has from a previous contract
Actual Custody of the Body
the physical possession of the dead human body
Ademption
the extinction or withdrawal of a legacy under a will by an act equivalent to revocation
Administrative Agency
an appointed governmental body charged with implementing particular legislation
Administrative Law
the body of law created by Federal and State administrative agencies to implement their powers and duties in the form of rules, regulations, orders, and decisions (OSHA, FTC, State Board Rules)
Administrator
a man who has been appointed by the court to settle an estate
Administratrix
a woman who has been appointed by the court to settle an estate
Agent
the party appointed by the principal to enter into a contract with a third party on behalf of the principal
Agent Driver
those drivers under the directions and control of a funeral director who is liable for their actions
Alien Corporation
one that is incorporated in a foreign country
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
a federal statute prohibiting discrimination against the disabled in employment, public transportation, telecommunications services, and public accommodations and services operated by private entities
Answer
official document detailing a defendant's defense
Antitrust
laws which seek to promote competition among businesses
Appellate Court
court hearing cases appealed from lower courts
Apprentice/Intern/Resident Trainee
a person engaged in learning the practice of funeral directing and/or embalming under instruction, direction, or personal supervision of a duly licensed funeral director and/or embalmer
Arraignment
charging a person with a crime and asking for that person's plea
Arrest
to take into police custody
Assignee
the party to whom the assignment is made
Assignment
a means whereby one party conveys rights to another person who is not a party to the original contract
Assignor
the party making the assignment
Authority
power to act for someone else
Bailee
the party who acquires possession but not the title of personal property in a bailment
Bailment
the transfer of possession but not the title of personal property by one party to another, under agreement
Bailor
the party who gives up possession, but not title, of property in a bailment
Bearer
a person in possession of an instrument
Bearer Paper
a commercial paper payable to bearer; i.e. to the person having possession of such
Beneficiary
recipient of the proceeds of a life insurance policy; one who inherits property as specified in a will
Bequest
a gift of personal property by will
Bill of Lading
the contract existing between the consignor (shipper) and the carrier
Bill of Sale
a document of conveyance that provides written evidence of one's title to tangible personal property
Blank Endorsement
having no words other than the signature of the endorser
Board of Directors
a body of persons elected by the stockholder to define and establish coporate policy
Body Parts
in the UAGA, parts are defined as "organs, tissues, eyes,bones, arteries, blood, other fluids and other portions of a human body for transplantation." After removal of a body part, without necessary mutilation, the custody of the remainder of the body res
Booking
adminstrative step taken after an arrested person is brought to a police station, which involves entry of the person's name, the crime for which the arrest was made, and other relevant facts on the police "blotter," and which may also include photographin
Brain Death
total and irreversible cessation of brain function as indicated by a flat EEG reading
Breach of Contract
a situation in which one of the parties to a contract fails or otherwise refuses to perform the obligation established in the contract
Building Code
laws, ordinaces, and government regulations setting forth requirements for construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy, use, or appearance of buildings
Business Law
those rules of conduct prescribed by a government and its agencies, regulating business transactions
Cadaver
a dead human body intended solely for scientific study and dissection
Capital Stock
declared value of outstanding stock
Case Law
court decisions that establish precedent principles
Cashier's Check
a check drawn on a bank's own funds and signed by a responsbile bank official
Casket Handling Fees
charge, fee or surcharge applied to consumers who purchase their casket elsewhere from a source other that the price list/funeral provider. (casket handling fees were eliminated by the Amended Funeral Rule and can no longer be charged to the consumer)
Casket Price List (CPL)
printed or typewritten list of the casket and alternative containers normally offered for sale by the funeral provider which do not require special ordering. CPL must include retail price and enough descriptive information to enable consumers to identify
Certificate of Deposit
the acknowledgement by a bank of a receipt of money with an agreement of repayment
Certified Check
a check for which the bank assures that the drawer has sufficient funds to make payment
Check
an order by a depositor on the bank to pay a sum of money to a payee
Civil Law
legal proceedings concerned with the rights of the public citizens
Clinical death/Legal Death
the absence of all vital signs
Close (closed, closely held) corporation
a designation which applies to a corporation in which outstanding shares of stock and managerial control are held by a limited number of people (often members of the same family)
Codicil
an addition or amendment of a last will and testament executed wi the same formality as the will
Commercial Paper (Negotiable Instrument)
a writing drawn in a special form which can be transferred from a person to person as a substitute for money or as an instrument of credit
Common Carrier
any carrier required by law to convey passengers or freight without refusal if the approved fare of charge is paid (airline, train, etc.)
Common Law
a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
Common Stock
stock that entitles own vote
Compensatory Damage
an award paid to the injured party to cover the exact amount of their loss, no more
Complaint (petition)
a written request initiating a civil suit
Consideration
that which the promisor demands and receives as the price for a promise
Consignee
one to whom goods are shipped by common carrier
Consignor
one who ships goods by common carrier
Constitution
any fundamental or important law or edict
Constructive Custody
having the authority to control disposition although another party has physical possession
Contract
an agreement between two or more competent persons which is enforceable by law
Contract to Sell
an agreement wherein a seller agrees to transfer title of goods to a buyer for a consideration (price), at a future time
Contractual Capability
the necessity that the parties desiring to enter into contracts meet all requirements
Corporation
an artificial being, invisible, intangible and existing only in contemplation of law; an entity that has a distinct existence separate and apart from the existence of its individual members
Corpse (Dead Human Body)
the body of a dead human being, deprived of life, but not yet entirely disintegrated
Counteroffer
an intended accepance which changes or qualifies the offer, and is a rejection of the original offer
Creditor Beneficiary
the person to whom the promise of a contract owes
creditors claim
a legal process used by one wishing to collect a debt from an estate
cremation
the reduction of a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat in a specifically designed retort chamber
crime "criminal act
an action in violation of constitution, status, or ordinance...eg: treason, felony, misdemeanor
criminal law
laws dealing with crimes and punishment of wrong doers
custodian
a funeral director becomes the legal protector of a dead human body from the time of removal until final disposition
death
the state of complete and irreversible cessation of metabolic processes leading ultimately to dissolution of organs
defendant
the person against whom legal action is brought
degree of kindred
relationship to decedent of his relatives; each generation is one degree, counting to a common ancestor
devise
a gift of real estate made by will
devisee
one who inherits real estate under a will
disaffirmance
the repudiation of, or election to avoid, a voidable contract
discharge
termination of a contract by performance, agreement, impossibility, acceptance of breach, or operation of law
discovery
pretrial steps taken to learn the details of the case
disinterment (exhumation)
the removal of a human corpse previously buried in the earth
distribution
providing documents (GPL) for retention and review (CPL, OBCPL.)
doctrine of stare decisis
a policy of courts to stand by a precedent and apply it to all future cases where the facts are substantially the same. To stand by things decided
domestic corporation
operates in the state that granted the charter
donee beneficiary
a third party beneficiary to whom no legal duty is owed and for whom performance is a gift
dormant or sleeping partner
partner unknown to public with no part in managment
draft
a written order signed by one person requiring the person to whom it is addressed to pay a particular sum of money to the bearer, either on demand or at a certain time
drawee
the person, company, or financial institution ordered to pay a draft
drawer
the person who executes any draft
durable power of attorney
exists when person executes a power of attorney which will become or remain effective in the event he or she should later become disable
duress
a means of removing one's free will; obtaining consent by means of threat to do harm to the person, his family or his property
emablmer
a person, properly licensed, who disinfects, preserves, or restores a dead human body
eminent domain
the inherent power of a government to take private property for public use. In the U.S. just compensation to the property owners is required
employee
the person hired to perform work and who is obligated both as to the work to be done and as to the manner in which it is to be done
employer
the party who hires employees to do certain work
endorsee
a person who becomes the holder of a negotiable instrument by endorsements which names him or her as the person to whom the instrument is negotiated
endorsement
the placing of a remains in a crypt in a mausoleum
environmental protection agency (EPA)
a governmental agency with environmental protection regulatory and enforcement authority
escheat
forfeiture of a decedent's property to the state in the absence of heris
estate
the property of a deceased person, both real and/or personal
ethics
a set of moral principals or values governing individuals or groups; conforming to accept professional standards of conduct
executed contracts
those contracts in which the parties have fulfilled the terms. Execution- the carrying out or completion of some task
executor
a man appointed by the will of a deceased person to carry out the provisions thereof and settle the estate
executory contracts
those contracts in which the terms have not been completely executed or fulfilled
executrix
a woman appointed by the will of a deceased person to carry out the provisions thereof and settle the estate
existing goods
those goods which are, at the time of the contract, in existence and owned by the seller
exposure, occupational
reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties
express authority
the authority of an agent, stated in the document or agreement creating the agency
express contract
a contract in which the parties express their intentions, either orally or in writing, at the time of the agreement
express warranty
the actual and definite statement of a seller, either verbally or in writing, guaranteeing a standard or level of performance
federal trade comission
agency of federal government created in 1914 to promote free and fair competition by prevention of trade restraints, price fixing, false advertising and other unfair methods of competition
felony
a criminal offense that is punishable by confinement in prison or by death
fetal death
death of a product of conception prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother
fiduciary
a relationship of trust and confidence, such as that which exists between partners in a partnership
final disposition
the conclusive performance of serviced with respect to the dead human body
foreign corporation
designation that applies when a corporation operates in any state other than where it is chartered
formal contract
those contracts that must be in special form or produced in a certain way, such as under seal
fraud
the intentional or reckless false statement of a material fact upon which the injured party relied which induced the injured party to enter into a contract to his or her detriment
future goods
those goods which are not in existence at this time a contract is agreed to
funeral director
a person properly licensed, engaged in, or conducting, or holding himself out as being engaged in: 1) preparing, other than by embalming, for the burial or disposition of dead human bodies, 2) maintaining or operating a funeral establishment for the prepa
funeral establishment
a place of business used in the care and preparation for the funeral and/or final disposition of dead human bodies
funeral provider
any person, partnership or corporation that sells or offers to sell funeral goods and funeral services to the public
General Agent
one who is authorized to execute the principal's business of a particular kind, or all the principal's business at at particular place, if not all of one kind
General Partner
an individual actively and openly engaged in the business and held out to everyone as a partner
General power of attorney
an instrument in writing authorizing one person to do anything for the principal. In other other words, one party has full power of attorney for another party
General Price List (GPL)
a printed list of goods and services offered for sale by funeral provider with retail prices. GPL is considered the keystone of the Funeral Rule
Goods
movable tangible personal property
Gross negligent
the intentional failure to perform a manifest duty in reckless disregarcd of the consequences as affecting the life or property of another
Guardian
a judicial appointment of a person to administer the affairs of another person who is incompetent by virtue of age or legal disability
Guaranteed Contract
one where the funeral home guarantees that the services and merchandise will be provided at the time of need for an amount not exceeding the original amount of the contract plus any accrurals, regardless of the cost of providing the services and merchandi
Heir
one who inherits or is entitle to recieve property by law
Holder
one in possession of commercial paper
Holographic Will
a will written entirely by the testator by his own hand
Householder
one who owns or controls real estate where a death occurs
Identified Goods
the goods specified by the buyer and seller
Implied Authority
an agent's authority to do things not specifically authorized in order to carry out express authority
Implied Contract
one in which terms of the contract are implied by acts or conduct of the parties
Implied warranties
a warranty imposed by law, arising automatically because the sale has been made
Independent Contractor
one who contracts to perform certain tasks for a set fee, but who is independent of the control of the contracting party as a means by which the contract is executed, except for specifications established in the contract
Inheritance
the estate which passes from the decendent to his/hers heirs
Injunction
a judicial order or decree forbidding the performance of a certain act
Insolvent Estate
the condition of the estate of a deceased person which is unable to pay the debts for the decedent and /or the estate
Intangible Personal Property
evidences of ownership of personal property such as stock of corporations, checks and copyrights
internment
the act of placing the dead human body in the ground
Intestate
the state or condition of dying without having made a will
Intestate succession
the succession of an heir at law to the property and estate of his ancestor when the latter has died without a will
Interstate
between states
intrastate
within a state
Inventory (in Probate)
listing and valuation of a decedent's assets by personal representative of the estate
Itemization
the method of price quotation by which each unit of service and/or merchandise is priced separately
Judgement
a decision of the court
Justice of the Peace
a public officer whose duties may include, among other things, the investigation of death (see Medical Examiner)
Kin
one's relatives collectively; referring to blood relationship. (Legally, the surviving spouse is not a kin.)
Law (Blackstone's Definition)
those rules of civil conduct commanding what is right and prohibiting what is wrong
Legatee
one who inherits personal property under a will
Liability
responsibility for wrongful acts
Lien
a claim or charge against property for payment of some debt (There can be no lien against a dead human body for it is not property)
Limited Liability Corporation
newest form of business ownership recognized in the U.S.; combines features of both the corporation and partnership
Limited Partner
partner whose liability for the firm's debts is limited to the amount of his/her investment
Liquidated Damages
a provision in a contract fixing the amount of the damages to be paid in the event one party breaches the contract
Live Birth
the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of conception which, after such separation, breathes or shows any other evidence of life
Livery
automotive equipment made available for hire
Living Will
a document which governs the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from an individual in the event of an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death within a relatively short time, and when such person is no longer able to m
Maker
the person who executes a promissory note
Malpractice
a breach of contract by a professional; failure to perform a professional service with the ability and care generally exercised by others in the profession
Material Safety Data Sheet/MSDS
this must accompany a hazardous product; a requirement of the Department of Labor and OSHA under the Hazard Communication Standard
Medical Examiner/Coroner/Justice of the Peace
a public officer whose duty it is to investigate cause of death when the question of accident, suicide, or homicide may be evident, or where there was no doctor in attendance
Mental Anguish
mental suffering resulting from grief, severe disappointment, indignation, wounded pride, shame, public humiliation, despair, etc., usually accompanied
Merchant
a person who deals in goods of the kind, or otherwise by occupation purports to have knowledge or skill peculiar to the practices or goods involved in the transaction
Minor
a person under full legal age; in most states (but not all), the standard is under the age of eighteen
misdemeanor
a criminal offense which is neither a treason nor a felony
misrepresentation
stating an untrue fact
morgue
a place where dead human bodies are kept until identified and/or released for final disposition
mortgage
a secured loan on a parcel of real estate
moral turpitude
crime involving a willful wrongdoing, usually a felon
mortuary law/ mortuary jurisprudence/ funeral service law
that branch of law that relates to matters concerned with the disposal of the dead
mutilation
altering of an object or a dead human body from its original condition
necessaries (necessities)
itemss, required or proper and useful, for sustaining a human being at an appropriate living standard (examples: food, clothing and shelter)
negligence
failure to exercise ordinary care; omission to do something which a reasonable prudent person would do under ordinary circumstances or the doing of something which a reasonable and prudent person would not do; the lack of due care (exercised by a wrongdoe
negotiable instrument (commercial paper)
a writing drawn in special form which can be transferred from person to person as a substitute for money or as an instrument of credit
negotiation
the act of transferring ownership of a negotiable instrument to another party
nominal damages
a token award to symbolize vindication of the wrong done to the plaintiff; generally the award is $1.00
nominal partner
person who pretends to be a partner or permits others to represent him or her as a partner
non-declinable fee
sercives not to be included in prices of other categories that are furnished by a funeral provider in arranging an funeral such as conducting the arrangements conference, planning the funeral, obtaining necessary permits, and placing obituary notices
novation
the change of one of the parties to a contract at the mutual agreement of the original parties
nuisance
a landowner's use of property which interferes with the public's or another landowner's use of his property
nuisance in fact
act, occupation, or structure that is not a nuisance per se, but may become a nuisance by circumstances of the location or manner in which it is operated
nuisance per se
act, occupation, or structure which is a nuisance at all times and under all circumstances. It may be prejudicial to public morals, dangerous to life, or injurious to public rights
nuncupative will
oral will dictated by testator during last illness before appropriate witnesses to dispose of personal property and afterwards reduced to writing
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
a governmental agency with the responsibility for regulatory enforcement of safety and health matters for most employees
offer
an expression of willingness to enter a contractual agreement
offeree
the person to whom an offer is made
offeror
the party who initiates, or makes, an offer
order paper
commercial paper made payable "to the order of" some named property; the word "order" or its equivalent must be used
ordinance
a law passed by a municipal governing body pertaining to matters not already covered by Federal or State law (zoning, building, safety ordinances, etc)
outer burial container price list (obcpl)
printed or typewritten list of outer burial containers normally offered for sale by the funeral provider which do not require special ordering. OBCPL must includ retail price and enough descriptive information to enable consumers to identify the merchandi
outrageous act
an act with complete disregard for proper conduct
partnership
the voluntary association of two or more people who have combined their resources to carry on as co-owners of a lawful enterprise for their joint profit
parts per million/ppm
a method of expressing low concentrations; 1 ppm is equivalent to 1 milligram per liter; in contaminated air, the parts of vapor or gas (formaldehyde) per million parts of air by volume; in solution the parts of chemical per million parts of solution
par-value stock
stock with an assigned face value
payee
the party to whom any negotiable is made payable
per capita
the method of dividing up an estate by which an equal share is given to each of a number of persons, all of whom stand in equal degree to the decedent
per stirpes
the method of dividing an estate where a class or group takes the share which the deceased would have been entitled to, and not as so many individuals, i.e., by right of representation
permissible exposure limit/PEL
the maximum legal limits established by OSHA for regulated substances. These are based on employee exposure that is time weighted over an 8 hour work shift. When these limits are exceeded, employers must take proper steps to reduce employee exposure. For
personal property
all property which is not real property
personal service contract
contract which involves such personal knowledge, skills or confidence that it can only be performed by the person with whom it is made; a contract whereby both parties should recognize that any breach will usually cause anguish
personal representative
a person who represents and settles the estate of deceased persons, i.e., executors and administrators
petition (complaint)
a written request initiating a civil suit
plaintiff
the individual who initiates a civil action
police power
the inherent power of every government to make reasonable laws to protect the safety, health, morals, and general welfare of its citizens
power of attorney
an instrument granting someone authority to act as an agent or attorney-in-fact for the grantor; an ordinary power of attorney is revocable and automatically terminates upon the death or incapacity for the principal
precedent
a decision of a court which is thereafter followed as an example by other courts.
preferred stock
stock giving special advantage as to payment of dividends, upon liquidation or both
preparation room
that facility in a funeral home especially designed equipped for embalming and preparation of dead human bodies.
price
that consideration stipulated by contract, generally expressed in money or money's worth
principal
a party who appoints a second party to serve as an agent
private carriers
those who transport only in particular instances and only for those they choose to contract with (funeral home vehicles and livery0
private corporation
a corporation formed by individuals to from some non-governmental function
probate
the act or process of proving a will
probate court
a court having jurisdiction over estates
probate estate
the property of a decedent that is subject to administration by the executor or administrator of an estate
process (summons)
a notice of complaint given to a defendant, defining the complaint and a time frame in which a response, or answer, must be filed, and which serves the purpose of conferring personal jurisdiction over the defendant
promissory estoppel
an equitable doctrine that prevents the promisor from revoking the promise when the promisee justifiably acts in reliance upon the promise to his detriment
promissory note
a negotiable instrument containing a promise to pay
promoter
one who makes initial steps to form a corporation
property
anything that may be owned
public corporation
a corporation formed to carry out out government functions
punitive damages
an award paid to the plaintiff in order to punish the defendant, not to compensate the plaintiff
qualified endorsement
an endorsement which limits the liability of the endorser
quasi contract
a fictional contract applied by a court for a person who is unable to contract for himself (ie. medical care, death); an obligation which law creates in the absence of agreement; is invoked by courts where there is unjust enrichment. The function of quasi
quasi-property theory
the accepted theory of the legal status of a dead human body. Rights associated with the body are as if it were property for the purpose of disposition only
ratification
confirming an act that was executed without authority or an act which was voidable
real propery
land and those objects permanently attached to land
reciprocity
the relationship existing between two states whereby each extends privileges of licenser to licensees of the other state
rejection
refusal to accept
replevin
an action to recover possession of personal property
rescission
canceling, annulling, avoidable
restrictive covenant
provision in a deed limiting the use of property and prohibiting certain uses
restrictive endorsement
an endorsement which prevents the use of the instrument for anything except the stated use
revocation
the annulment or cancellation of an instrument, act, or promise by one doing or making it
rules and regulations
enactments by an administrative body governing the jurisdiction of that agency
sale
the transfer of title of goods from the seller to the buyer for a consideration called the price
secret partner
partner active in a business unknown to the public
secured claim
a claim that is supported by a pledge of assets belonging to the debtor
service contracts
the contracting of services rather than goods
shareholders (stockholders)
those having title to one or more shares of stock in a corporation; combined, they represent ownership of the corporation
Sherman Anti-trust Act
legislation intended to promote competition among businesses by prohibiting restraint of trade
short term exposure limit/STEL
legal limits established by OSHA to which workers can be exposed continuously for a short period of time without damage or injury. Exposure at the STEL should not be for more than 15 minutes and not repeated more than four time per workday
silent partner
an individual who takes no active part in the management of a business but has capital invested in the business
simple contract
any contract other than a formal contract, whether written, oral, or implied
soldiers and sailors will
a nuncupative will, informal in nature, in which a soldier in the field or sailor at sea may dispose of personal property only
solvent estate
an estate in which the assets exceed the liabilities
sole proprietorship
a business owned by one person
special agent
one authorized by the principal to execute certain acts
special endorsement
an endorsement which designates the particular person to whom payment is to be made
special performance
a contract remedy by which the court requires the breaching party to perform the contract
Springing Power of Attorney
an instrument in writing authorizing one person to act as an agent for another affective only upon a certain event occuring
stare decisis
a policy of courts to stand by a precedent and apply it to all future cases where the facts are substantially the same; to stand by things decided
statute
a particular law enacted by a legislative body
Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected
itemized written statement provided for retention to each person who arranges a funeral or other disposition. It must include the goods and services selected and prices paid for each, itemization of cash advance items and the total cost
statutory law
law created by legislative bodies in contrast to laws generated by judicial opinions (case law) and administrative bodies
Statute of Frauds
a statute originally enacted by English Parliament and now enacted in some form in all states, listing certain types of contracts which could be enforced only if in written form
Statute of Limitations
a law that restricts the period of time within which an action may be brought to court
Stockholders (Shareholders)
those having title to one or more shares of stock in a corporation; combined, they represent ownership of the corporation
Subchapter S Corporation
a creation of the tax codes; shareholders elect to be taxed as a partnership (no double taxation) without losing corporation status
summons (process)
a notice of complaint given to a defendant, defining the complaint and a time frame in which a response, or answer, must be filed, and which serves the purpose of conferring personal jurisdiction over the defendant
testate
the condition of leaving a will at death
testator
a man who makes a valid will
testatrix
a woman who makes a valid will
third party beneficiary
person not party to a contract, but whom parties intended to benefit
Time-weighted Average/TWA
an evaluation of exposures that are time-weighted over an established period. It allows the exposure levels to be averaged generally over an 8-hour time period
tort
a wrongful act committed by one person against another person or his property.
treasury stock
stock reacquired by a corporation
trial courts
courts that conduct the original trial and render their decision
triggering event
occurrence of situation that requires certain action i.e. the triggering event for giving out the GPL is face-to-face meeting
trustee
one who holds a positon of trust to the beneficiary; in funeral arrangements, the person who has the right to control the funeral on behalf of all survivors
un-bundle
offering items of funeral goods and services as separate items and not conditioned on the purchase of another item or service. The itemization of offerings of funeral goods and funeral services
undue influence
improper influence that is asserted by one dominant person over another, without the threat or harm
unenforceable contract
an agreement which is not in the form required by law
Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
a law permitting a person of legal age and sound mind to give all or any part of his body to take effect upon his/her death or giving the right to another
Uniform Commercial Code
recognized as the most important statute in business law; includes provisions which regulate certain sales of goods
Uniform Probate Code
a model law to achieve uniformity to probate proceedings throughout the U.S.
Unilateral Contract
one-sided contract/agreement formed when an act is done in consideration for a promise
unsecured claim
a claim that is not supported by a pledge of other assets belonging to the debtor
usurious
exceeding the maximum rate of interest which may be charged on loans
valid contract
a contract which will be enforced by the court
vital statistics
the registration, preparation, transcription, collection, compilation, and preservation of data pertaining to birth, adoptions, deaths, stillbirths, marital status, etc.
void contract
an agreement of no legal effect
voidable contract
a contract that would be an enforceable agreement, but due to circumstances, may be set aside by one the parties
volunteer driver
those drivers not under the direct control of the funeral director
warranties
guarantees made by a seller that an article, good or service will conform to a certain standard or will operate in a certain manner
will
an instrument executed with required formality by a person-making disposition of his/her property to take effect upon his/her death
zoning ordinance
a law passed by a municipality by virtue of the police power that regulates and prescribes the kind of building, residences, or businesses that shall be built and used in different parts of the municipality
Abnormal (complicated, unresolved) Grief
grief extending over a long period of time without resolution
Acute Grief
the intense physical and emotional expression of grief occurring as the awareness increases of a loss of someone or something significant
Adaptation
the individual's ability to adjust to the psychological and emotional changes brought on by a stressful event such as the death of a significant other
Affect
feelings and their expression
Aftercare (post-funeral counseling)
those appropriate and helpful acts of counseling that come after the funeral
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Aggression
the intentional infliction of physical or psychological harm on another
Alarm
fear or anxiety caused by the sudden realization of danger
Alienation
the state of estrangement an individual feels in social settings that are viewed as foreign, unpredictable or unacceptable
Alternatives
a choice of services and merchandise available as families make a selection and complete funeral arrangements; formulating different actions in adjusting to a crisis
Anger
blame directed toward another person
Anomic Grief
a term to describe the experience of grief, especially in young bereaved parents, where mourning customs are unclear due to an inappropriate death and the absence of prior bereavement experience; typical in a society that has attempted to minimize the imp
Anticipatory Grief
a syndrome characterized by the presence of grief in anticipation of death or loss; the actual death comes as a confirmation of knowledge of a life-limiting condition
Anxiety
a state of tension, typically characterized by rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath; an emotion characterized by a vague fear or premonition that something undesirable is going to happen
At-Need Counseling
a death has occurred and the funeral director is counseling with the family as they select the services and items of merchandise in completing arrangements for the funeral service of their choice
Attachment Theory (Bowlby)
the tendency in human beings to make strong affectional bonds with others coming from the need for security and safety
Attending (Listening)
giving undivided attention by means of verbal and non-verbal behavior
Attitude
a learned tendency to respond to people, objects, or institutions in a positive or negative way
Bereavement
the act or event of separation or loss that results in the experience of grief
Chronic grief
excessive in duration and never comes to satisfactory conclusion
Client-Centered Counseling (Person-centered)
a phrase coined by Carl Rogers to refer to that type of counseling where one comes actively and voluntarily to gain help on a problem, but without any notion of surrendering his own responsibility for the situation; a non-directive method of counseling wh
Cognitive
from the Latin word, "to know"; the study of the origins and consequences of thoughts, memories, beliefs, perceptions, explanations, and other mental processes
Committal Service
the rite of finality in a funeral service preceding cremation, earth burial, entombment or burial at sea
Communication
a general term for the exchange of information, feelings, thoughts, and acts between two or more people, including both verbal and non-verbal aspects of this interchange
Congruence
according to client-centered counseling, the necessary quality of a counselor being in touch with reality and with others' perception of one's self
Coping
characteristic ways of responding to stress
Counselee
the individual seeking assistance or guidance
Counseling (Webster)
advice, especially that given as a result of consultation
Counseling (Jackson)
any time someone helps someone else with a problem
Counseling (Rogers)
good communication within and between people; or, good (free) communication between people is always therapeutic
Counseling (Ohlsen)
a therapeutic experience for reasonably healthy persons.
Counselor
the individual providing assistance and guidance
Crisis
a highly emotional temporary state in which an individual's feelings of anxiety, grief, confusion, or pain impair his or her ability to act
Crisis Counseling
interventions for a highly emotional, temporary state in which individuals overcome by feelings of anxiety, grief, confusion, or pain are unable to act in a realistic normal manner. Intentional response which helps an individual in a crisis situation
Death anxiety
a learned emotional response to death-related phenomena which is characterized by extreme apprehension
Delayed Grief (Worden)
inhibited, suppressed, or postponed response to a loss
Denial
the defense mechanism by which a person is unable or refuses to see things as they are because such facts are threatening tot he self
Directive Counseling
counselor takes a live speaking role, asking questions, suggesting courses of action, etc.
Discrimination
treating members of various social groups differently in circumstances where their rights or treatment should be identical
Displaced Aggression
a defense mechanism in which anger is redirected toward a person or object other than the one who provided the anger originally
Displacement
redirection of emotion to other targets
Dyad
two units regarded as a pair; for example, husband and wife
Ego defense mechanisms
unconscious, irrational means used by the ego to defend against anxiety
Emotion
the outward expression or display of mood or feelings
Emotions
feelings such as happiness, anger, or grief, created by brain patterns accompanied by bodily changes
Empathy (Wolfelt)
the ability to enter into and share the feelings of others
Emotional Expression
the outward expression or display of mood or feeling states
Euthanasia (Right to Die)
an act or practice of allowing the death of persons suffering from a life-limiting condition
Exaggerated Grief (Worden)
persons are usually conscious of the relationship of the reaction to death, but the reaction to the current experience is excessive and disabling
Facilitate
to assist understanding of the circumstances of situations an individual is experiencing, and to assist that person in the selection of an alternative adjustment if necessary
Fear
strong emotion marked by such reactions as alarm, dread, and disquiet
Focusing
centering a client's thinking and feelings on the situation causing a problem and assisting a person in choosing the behavior or adjustment to solve the problem
Frustration
the state of being prevented from attaining a purpose; thwarted; the blocking of satisfaction by some kind of obstacle
Funeral Rite
an organized, flexible, purposeful, group-centered, time-limited response to death with reflects reverence, dignity, and respect
Funeral Service Psychology
the study of human behavior as related to funeral service
Genuineness (Wolfelt)
the ability to present one's self sincerely
Goals
adjustment, motivational in nature, to be achieved
Grief
an emotion or set of emotions due to a loss
Grief Counseling
helping people facilitate uncomplicated grief to a healthy completion of the tasks of grieving within a reasonable time frame
Grief Syndrome (Lindemann)
a set of symptoms associated with loss
Grief Therapy (Worden)
specialized techniques which are used to help people with complicated grief reactions
Griefwork (Lindemann)
a process occurring with loss, aimed at loosening the attachment to the dead for reinvestment in the living
Guidance
support or support system provided tot he counselee who is seeking an alternative adjustment to problems
Guilt
blame directed toward one's self based on real or unreal conditions
Homicide
the killing of one human being by another
Hospice
historically an inn for travelers, especially one kept by a religious order; also used to indicate a concept designed to treat patients with a life-limiting condition
Illustrating
detailed example of adjustments, choices or alternatives available to the client or couselee from which a course of action may be selected
Informational Counseling
counseling in which a counselor shares a body of special information with a counselee
Interpersonal attraction
social attraction to another person
Living will
a document which governs the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from an individual in the event of an incurable or irreversible condition that will cause death with in a relatively short time, and which such person is no longer able to
Masked Grief (Worden)
occurs when persons experiences symptoms and behaviors which cause them difficulty, but do not see or recognize the fact that these are related to the loss
Mitigation
any event, person, or object that lessens the degree of pain in grief
Motivation
the process that initiates, directs, and sustains behavior satisfying physiological or psychological needs
Mourning
an adjustment process that involves grief or sorrow over a period of time and helps in the reorganization of the life of an individual following a loss or death of someone loved
Non-Verbal Communication
that which is expressed by posture, facial expression, actions, or physical behavior; that which is communicated by any means except verbally
Option
choice of actions provided through counseling as a means of solving the counselee's dilemma
Panic
a strong emotion characterized by sudden and extreme fear
Paraphrasing
expressing a thought or idea in an alternate and sometimes a shortened form
Personality
a relatively stable system of determining tendencies within an individual
Person centered (client centered) counseling
a phrase coined by Carl Rogers to refer to that type of counseling where one comes actively and voluntarily to gain help on a problem, but without any notion of surrendering his own responsibility for the situation; a non-directive method of counseling wh
Persuasion
a deliberate attempt to change attitudes of belief with information and arguments
Positive Regard
according to Carl Rogers, accepting the client or counselee as he or she is, without imposing judgments or stipulations
Post-Funeral Counseling (aftercare)
those appropriate and helpful acts of counseling that come after the funeral
Prejudice
negative attitude towards others based on their gender, religion, race or membership in a particular group
Pre-Need Counseling
that counseling which occurs before death
Projection
attribution of one's unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to someone else
Psychiatrist
a medical doctor with a specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
Psychology
the study of human behavior
Psychotherapy (Jackson)
intervention with people whose needs are so specific that usually they can only be met by specially trained physicians or psychologists. The practitioners in this field need special training because they often work with deeper levels of consciousness
Rapport
a relation of harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity established in any human interaction
Rationalization
supplying a logical, socially acceptable reason rather than the real reason for an action
Regression
a defense mechanism used in grief to return to more familiar and often more primitive modes of coping
Repression
blocking of threatening material from consciousness
Resistance
an adaptive maneuver characterized by an inability or unwillingness to act with the aim of asserting or sustaining individual control, autonomy or self-esteem
Respect (Wolfelt)
the ability to communicate the belief that everyone possesses the capacity and right to choose alternatives and make decisions
Restitution
according to Simos, a compelling need by which the individual attempts to restore inner psychological equilibrium, uniting past, present, and future in the cycle fro loss and the fear of loss to acceptance
Ritual
any act that is charged with symbolic content
Searching
preoccupied and intense thoughts about the deceased
Shame
the assumption of blame directed toward one's self by others
Shock
the reaction of the body to an event; often experienced emotionally as a sudden, violent, and upsetting disturbance
Situational Counseling
related to specific situations in life that may create crises and produce human pain and suffering. This type of counseling adds another dimension to the giving of information, in that it deals with significant feelings that are produced by life crises
Social comparison
making judgments about ourselves through comparison with others
Social Facilitation
a phenomenon that occurs when an individual's performance improves because of the presence of others
Stress
life events and minor hassles that exert pressure or strain
Stressor
any event capable of producing physical or emotional stress
Sublimation
redirection of emotion to culturally or socially useful purposes
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
also known as Crib Death; the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant which remains unexplained after complete autopsy and a review of the circumstances around the death
Suicide
a deliberate act of killing oneself
Suicidal Gesture
an unsuccessful attempt made by a person to end his or her own life
Suicidal Ideation
thoughts of ending one's life
Summary
a brief review of points covered in a portion of the counseling session
Suppression
a more or less conscious postponement of addressing anxieties and concerns
Survivor Guilt
guilt felt by family and friends after a death
Sympathy
sincere feelings for the person who is trying to adjust to a serious loss
Thanatology
the study of death
Thanatophobia
an irrational, exaggerated fear of death
Threat
a statement or action which creates anxiety in an individual's life
Verbal Communication
spoken, oral communication
Warmth and Caring (Wolfelt)
the ability to be considerate and friendly as demonstrated by both verbal and non-verbal behaviors
Air Seal
a method of sealing a vault that utilizes the air pressure created by placing the dome of the vault onto the base of the vault.
Air Tray
a transfer container consisting of a wooden tray with carboard covering for the casket
Alloy
a substance composed of two or more metals
Alternative Container
a non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, designed for the encasement of human remains and made of carboard, pressed wood, composition material, or pouches of canvas or other material (FTC Definition)
Apron
small body - 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
that part of the casket handle that attaches the bar to the lug.
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 pallbearer.
Base Molding
molding along the lowermost edge of the body panels.
Bed
the portion of the casket upon which the deceased 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 heastone, set above ground, with a slightly slanting top.
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 containig several lots
Body
that portion of the casket shell containg 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 Lining
material that drapes the inside perimeter of the body of the casket
Body Panels
composed of the sides and ends of the casket shell.
Bridge
header, cap filler - component part of the cap/lid that is constructed into caskets that display a cut top; provides strength/rigidity at the point of the transverse cut.
Broadcloth
a twill, napped, woolen or worsted fabric with a smooth lustrous face and dense texture;a fabric usual 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 Finished
bare meal is scratched with an barasive material and then finished until a smooth high gloss is obtained.
Burial Casket
a casket which is sold for the purpose of interring or entombing with the dead human remains.
Cap
lid - the topmost part of the casket shell, including the ogee, crown, pie and header.
Cap Filler
bridge - component part of the cap/lid that is constructed into caskets that display a cut top; provides strength/rigidity at the point of the transverse cut.
Cap Panel
the focal part of the interior that fills the inside of the crown, sometimes bordered by the roll (cove); may be referred to as the panel.
Cash Advances
any item of service or merchandise described to the purchaser as a "cash advance," "accommodation," "cash disbursement," or similar term; any item obtained from a third party and paid for by the funeral provider on the purchaser's behalf.
Cash Discount
a reduction of the price given for payment of an account within the time limits established by the sales contract.
Casket
a rigid container which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is usually constructed of wood, metal, or like material, and ornamented and lined with fabric (FTC): a case or receptacle in which human remainse are placed for protection,
Casket Liner
a removable metal unit that is places inside a wooden casket shell to provide protective qualities.
Casket Rack
a device upon which two or three caskets are placed, one on top of the other, for display
Casket Stand
Casket Standard - the stand or support upon which a casket rests in the selection room
Cast Bronze
a molten bronze poured into a mold and allowed to cool
Cast Hardware
the most expensive hardware production method, in which molten metal is poured into a mold, allowed to cool, and then removed from the mold.
Cemetery
an area of ground set aside and dedicated for the final disposition of dead human bodies
Cenotaph
a monument erected to the memory of the dead, with the dead human body not present.
Church Truck
a wheeled, collapsible support for the casket, used in the funeral home, church, or home
Coffin
a case or receptacle for dead human remains which is anthropoidal in shape.
Columbarium
a structure, room, or space in a mausoleym or other building containg niches or recesses used to hold cremated remains
Combination Case
a transfer container consisting of a particle board box with a cardboard tray and cover to satisfy air-shipping regulations.
Combination Unit
any product consisting of a unit or a series of units which are designed or intended to be used together as both a casket and permanent burial receptacle.
Composition Board
Particle Board, Pressed Board, Fiberboard, Hardboard - particles of wood bonded together with waterproof fluel 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 in the selection room in their order of increasing or decreasing value
Consignment
to give to an agent to be cared for or sold.
Consumer Value Index
CVI - the percentage derived by dividing the wholesale cost of the merchandise by the retail price of the merchandise
CVI (Equation)
Wholesale Merchandise Cost / Retail Cost
Copper
a malleable, ductile, metallic element having a characteristic reddis-brown color
Copper Deposit
a casket made from a core of copper metal to which copper ions are combined by an electrolytic process
Corner
an optional part of tha hardware that is attached to the four corners of the body panel
Corrugate Container
a container used to hold a dead human body which is constructed out of a type of cardboard, which is made with a series of alternate folds and ridges
Cove
Rolle, Puffing - a component part of the casket interior which lines the rim(ogee) and surrounds the cap panel
Cremation Casket
and environmentally safe casket which is designed for encasing dead human remains for cremation
Crepe
a thing, crincled cloth of silk, raon, cotton, or wool
Crinkled Finish
an exterior casket finish in which the metal is coated with a substance that wringkles as it dries, usually used on less expensive caskets
Crown
Swell - the uppermost part of the cap, extending from rim to rim; everything above the rim
Crushed Interior
a form of casket interior created by placing the lining material on a metal form, weights added, the material steamed, and then attached to a suitable upholstery (bcking) material.
Crypt
a chamber in a mausoleum, of sufficient size, generall used to contain the casketed remains of a deceased person.
Demonstration Group
Educational Group - three or four caskets utilized to educate the selecting party regarding the elements of casket construction.
Die
Tablet - a main part of a monument, the upright portion above the base where the inscription is located
Direct Cremation
a disposition of human remains by cremation without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present.
Direct Lighting
illumination directly shining on an object
Direct Selection Room Procedure
the method of selling caskets whereby the funeral director remains in the selection room throughout the selection process.
Doeskin
Moleskin - a heavy, durable fabric with a short (1/8th in or less), thick, velvety nap on one side; woven cloth with a suede-like appearance with a nap of less than 1/8th inch.
Dome
the top of an air seal burial vault which entraps air as it is put in position; also supports the weight of the earth above
Double Seal
a method of sealing burial vaults that utilizes the principle of the air seal in conjunction with an epoxy material at the junction of the dome and the base of the vault
Ear
Lug - the part of casket handle that is attached to the casket body
Educational Group
Demonstration Group - three or four caskets utilized to educate the selecting party regarding the elements of casket construction.
Elliptic
a casket having ends in the shape of a half circle
Embossed
ornamented with raised work, material having designs raised above the surface.
Engineered Wood
a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding together wood strands, particles, fibers or veneers with adhesives to form composite materials. Somtimes referred to as composite wood or manufactured wood products
Epitaph
an inscription placed on a monument to commemorate the deeds or qualities of the departed.
Excelcior
Wood Wool - wood that has been shredded into spaghetti like strings
Extendover
Large Body - the portion of the casket interior which extends over the top body moling (body ledge) for aesthetic value
Ferrous Metal
any metal formed from iron (steel or stainless steel)
Fiberboard
Composition Board - particles of wood bonded together with waterproof fluel the different types are distinguished by the size and shape of the particles of wood used.
Fberglass
a material consisting of extremely fine filaments of glass embed in various resins
Fishtail
Pie - a wedge shaped portion of the cap (lid) at each end of the crown.
Fixed Multiple
Straight Line - a price determination method whereby the casket cost is multiplied by a constant factor.
Flaring Square
casket shell design in which the sides and ends of the casket body flare out from the bottom to the top; a casket shell design that is narrower and shorter at the bottom than at the opening of the top.
Flat Finish
Matte Finish - a finished used on casket exteriors that is free of gloss; dull, lusterless surface : no shine or gloss
Fluorescent Lighting
the illumination produced by a tubular elextric discharge lamp: the fluorescence of phosphorous coating the inside of a tube
Flush Marker
a small headstone which is set with its top even with the surrounding terrain
Fold
Gimp - a strip of metal, plastic, or cloth that is attached to the inside of the panel, covering the area at which point the roll (cove) is anchored
Foot-Candle
the amount of illumination produced by a source of one candle at a distance of one foot
Foot Panel
a component part of the casket interior which is inside the foot portion of the cap
Fractional Display
use of portions of caskets (1/23, 1/4, 1/8) in the selection room v. full sized caskets
Functional Pricing
a method of price quotation by which the charges are broken down into several major component parts, such as professional service, facilities, automobile, and merchandise.
Funeral Ceremony
a service commemorating the deceased with the body present
Galvanized
steel that has been coated with zinc for increased resistance to rsut.
Gasket Channel
found on cut top gasket caskets; is an integral part of the foot panel header on gasket caskets; the function is to hold the transverse gasket to seal the space between the head and foot caps.
Gauge
a measurement of thickness of metals; the number of sheets of metal necessary to equal approximately one inch of thickness
Gimp
Fold - a strip of metal, plastic, or cloth that is attached to the inside pf the panel, cover the area at which point the roll(cove) is anchored
Graduated Recovery
the return of money produced by varying the amount expected on each selection
Grave
an excavation in the earth as a place for interment
Grave Box
an outer enclosure consisting of a body and a one-or two-price lid
Grave Liner
an outer enclosure that offers protection for the earth load but witout sealing qualities
Graveside Service
a ceremony or ritual, religious or otherwise, conducted at the grave.
Hammertone
a sprayed finish that has the appearance of small indentations in the metal (as if struck by a ballpeen hammer); the "indentations" are in the pain and appear as the paint dries; usually found on inexpensive caskets
Hardboard
Composition Board - particles of wood bonded together with waterproof fluel the different types are distinguished by the size and shape of the particles of wood used.
Hardware
the handles, ornamental fixtures, and their fittings that are attached to the casket shell.
Hardwood
any touch, heavy timber witha compact texture; any deciduous tree (any tree that loses its leaves annually).
Head Panel
a component part of the casket interior which is inside the head portion of the cap; no distinction is made between the head panel and foot panel in full couch caskets.
Header
Bridge - component part of the cap/lid that is constructed into caskets that display a cut top; provides strength/rigidity at the point of the transverse cut.
Header Flange
the turned under edge or horizontal portion of the header
Hermetically Sealed
airtight; impervious to external influence; completely sealed by fusion or soldering
Hinge Cover
Skirt - that portion of the casket interior covering the hinges that attach the casket cap to the casket body; usually extends from the roll and becomes a part of the body lining
Horizontal Tablet
a type of cemetery monument in which the die is wider than it is tall.
Immediate Burial
a disposition of human remains by burial without formal viewing, visiation or ceremenony with the body present, except for a graveside service.
Incandescent Lighting
the illumination resulting from the glowing of a heated filament
Indirect Lighting
reflected illumination of an object
Indirect Selection Room Procedure
the method of selling caskets whereby the funeral director does not stay in the selection room during the selection process.
Inner Panels
functional or ornamental covering that usually covers the foot end of the casket in the full couch casket; may be located at both the head and foot of the full couch casket.
Itemization
the method of price quotation by which each unit of service and/or merchandise is priced separately
Large Body
Extendover - the portion of the casket interior which extends over the top body moling (body ledge) for aesthetic value
Laminates
made by uniting superuimposed layers of different materials
Lawncrypt
grave space where two or more persons may be buried in grave liners which have been stacked one on top of the other, with the first person who dies being buried in the deepest grave liner with subsequent burials on top.
Lid
Cap - the topmost part of the casket shell, including the ogee, crown, pie and header.
Linen
a fabric made from flax; noted for its strength, coolness, and luster
Linen Weave
a fabric woven to look like linen; used as casket lining material
Lot
a subdivision of a cemetery which consists of several grave or interment spaces.
Lug
the part of the casket handle that is attached to the casket body
Marker
a small headstone, usually of one piece, used to identify individual graves
Masselin
a pressed paper n sheet form; used in casket construction as a backing (upholstry) material
Mausoleum
a building containing crypts or vaults for entombment; an above ground structure for burial
Matte Finish
Flat Finish - a finished used on casket exteriors that is free of gloss; dull, lusterless surface : no shine or gloss
Mattress Cover
interior cloth or material which covers the mattress or bedding of the casket
Mean
Average - the sum of a group of numbers divided by the number of units.
Median
a value in an ordered set of values that represnts the midpoint, whereby there are an equal number of values above and below the midpoint value.
Memorial
a physical object that is designed for the purpose of remembering
Memorial Park
a cemetery or sercion of a cemeter with only flush to the ground type markers
Memorial Service
a ceremony commemorating the deceased without the body present.
Merchandise Value Ratio
MVR - the relationship between the wholesale cost of the merchandise and the toal cost (both service and merchandise) to the consumer.
MVR (equation)
Wholesale Merch Cost / (Cost of Service + Retail Mech Cost)
Merchandising
the purchasing, pricing, display, and sale of merchandise
Metal Case
Ziegler Case - a gasketed container which can be used as an insert into a casket or as a separate shipping container.
Mode
the number that occurs most frequently in a listing of numbers
Molesking
Doeskin -
Monument
a structure, usually of stone, or metal, erected to commemorate the life, deeds, o career of a deceased person; from the Latin word meaning to remind.
Niche
a recess or space in a columbarium used for the permanent placing of cremated remains, the aesthetic covering for the foot cap or inner foot panel of the casket.
Non-Ferrous Metal
any metal which is not formed from iron.
Octagon
a casket having eight angles or corners and therfore having eight sides or surfaces on the side of the body panel.
Ogee
Rim - an "S" shaped molding that is a component part of the casket cap
Ogee Flange
Rim Flange - the turned under edge or horizontal portion of the rim that comes into contact with the gasket or body ledge flange (top body molding flange)
Outer Burial Container
any container which is designed for placement in the grave around the casket, including, but not limited to, containers commonly known as burial vaults, grave boxes, and grave liners.
Overlay
Overthrow, Throw - the aesthetic covering for the foot cap or inner foot panel of the casket.
Package Pricing
a pricing method which groups together selected services and/or merchandise.
Particle Board
Composition Board - particles of wood bonded together with waterproof fluel the different types are distinguished by the size and shape of the particles of wood used.
Perfection Full Couch
a casket in which the rim (ogee), crown, and pies are formed as one unit and which raises as one piece.
Perfection Half Couch
a casket in which the rim(ogee), crown, and pies are formed as one unit with a transverse cut in the cap, forming two piece lid for the casket.
Pie
Fishtail - the wedge-shaped portion of the cap (lid) at each end of the crown.
Plastic
a synthetic of natural organic material shaped when soft and then hardened
Plastic Extrusion Molding
a method of molding plastic by injecting molten plastic into a die.
Plated
the finish created when base metal is coated by another metal via an electrolytic process; it is identified when used in casket construction by the term "deposit" as in "copper deposit
Plush
a woven cloth with a nap exceeding 1/8th inch
Plywood
thin sheets of wood glued together so that the grains are at right angles to one another; an odd number of sheets will be used so that the grain on the front and back will always run the same direction.
Polished Finish
a surface made smooth and glossy, usually by friction; brought to a highly developed, finished, or refined state; burnished
Polymer
a compound, similar in appearance to plastic, which has a high molecular weight creating an extremely durable substance.
Pouch
a leak resistant zippered bag designed to contain a dead human body and body fluids and is used mainly for the removal of dead human remains from the place of death.
Pressed Board
Particleboard, Flake Board - particles of wood bonded together with waterproof glue; the different types are distinguished by the size of the particles of wood used.
Price Determination
method used by management to establish the selling price for services and merchandise
Price Quotation
mthod by which prices are explained to the consumer (ex: itemized GPL required by the FTC but package pricing allowed)
Priest Casket
Slip Panel - a casket opening style in which the cap or lid at the head end of the casket is completely removed from the casket for the purpose of viewing; the remains may be viewed from either side of the casket.
Puffing
Roll - a component part of the casket interior which lines the rim (ogee) and surrounds the cap panel.
Quantity Discount
reduction in the amount of a bill when a specified minimum quantity of merchandise has been ordered.
Quartile
a division of the totals into four intervals, each one representing one-fourth of the total.
Range
the upper and lower limits of a series of numbers
Rebate
a return of a portion of a payment
Rental Casket
a casket which is used as a temporary receptacle for the dead human remains for the purpose of visitation and funeral, with the intention that the remains will be placed in some other suitable container for permanent disposition, while the casket is inten
Rim
Ogee - an "S" shaped molding that is a component part of the casket cap.
Rim Flange
Ogee Flange - the turned under edge or horizontal potrtion of the rim that comes into contact with the gasket or body ledge flange (top body molding flange)
Roll
Cove, Puffing - a component part of the casket interior which lines the rim(ogee) and surrounds the cap panel.
Sales Frequency
the number of times sales in a given price bracket occur over a fixed period of time.
Satin
a fabric woven to create a smooth, lustrous face and dull back.
Satin Finish
a type of semi-luster or semi-gloss casket finish that is smooth with well defined fine lines or striations
Scattering Garden
a section of a cemetery set aside for the scattering of the ashed of cremated human remains
Section
a sibdivision of a cemetery containing several blocks
Sectional
Concrete Sectional - a grave liner consisting of six or eight slabs of unfinished concrete placed around the casket.
Select Hardwood
Salix - a casket constructed from many different species of wood (ex: poplar, cottonwood); sometimes referred to as salix or willow; the component parts of a single casket will not ncessarilt be constructed of the same species of wood.
Semi-Gloss
a low-luster finish
Semi-Tailored
a combination of a tailored interior with one or more other styles of interior; for effect
Shell
the component parts that compose the cap (lid) and the body of the casket
Shirred Interior
a style of casket interior in which the material is drawn or gathered in parallel fashion in a particular sewing process
Single Hinged Panel
a casket in which the cap is in two pieces,: the rim (ogee) and foot panel form one piece, which is hinged to the top body molding; the head panel forms the second piece, which is hinged to the tim(ogee)
Skirt
Hinge Cover - that portion of the casket interior covering the hinges that attach the casket cap to the casket body; usually extends from the roll and becomes a part of the body lining
Slant Marker
a cemeter marker that has a face that has an angle greater than 45 degrees but less than 90 degrees in relationship to the terrain
Slip Panel
Priest Casket, Slip Top - a casket opening style in which the cap or lid at the head end of the casket is completely removed from the casket for the purpose of viewing; the remains may be viewed from either side of the casket.
Slip Top
Priest Casket, Slip Panel - a casket opening style in which the cap or lid at the head end of the casket is completely removed from the casket for the purpose of viewing; the remains may be viewed from either side of the casket.
Small Body
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.
Softwood
any light, easily cut wood; cone bearing or coniferous
Solid Wood
a product that, excepting some hardware components, is made from lumber cut into boards from the trunk of a tree; the casket shell has no components formed from wood by-products.
Stainless Steel
a metal alloy of steel, chromium, and sometimes nickel which is used in casket construction; noted for its ability to resist rust
Stamped Hardware
a hardware production method of lesser expense wherby the casket hardware sections are pressed out on a hydraulic press
State Casket
Vertical Side Square - a casket body style with the body side at a 90-degree angle to the bottom.
Stationary Bar
a ono-moveable casket handle
Steel
a metal alloy consisting mainly of iron and carbon; used in caskets; it is low in carbon which keeps it soft and malleable; commercial steel contains carbon in an amount up to 1.7% as an essential alloy constituent
Straight Line
Fixed Multiple - a price determination method whereby the casket cost is multiplied by a constant factor.
Sundry Items
the various miscellaneous items provided or used to complement the services of a funeral director
Swell
Crown - the uppermost part of the cap, extending from rim to rim; everything above the rim
Swing Bar
a moveable casket handle with a hinged arm
Tablet
Die - a main part of a monument, the upright portion above the base where the inscription is located
Tailored Interior
a tightly drawn form of casket interior style
Threaded Fastener
a screw type fastener
Throw
Overlay - the aesthetic covering for the foot cap or inner foot panel of the casket
Tip
the decorative or ornamental part of the casket handle that covers the exposed ends of the bar
Top Body Molding
Body Ledge - a molding along the uppermost edge of the body panels
Top Body Molding Flange
Body Ledge Flange - the horizontal portion of the top body molding (body ledge) where the gasket is placed on gasket-protected caskets
Top Seal
in burial vaults, a method of sealing that utilizes an epoxy compound in conjunction with a tongue-in-groove closure at the top of the vault
Transfer Container
an outer enclosure utilized for the protection of casketed remains during transportation
Tufted Interior
a style of acasket interior created by placing a padding material between a lining material and a backing material, with subsequent stitches taken, forming small raised puffs; carriage tufting and biscuit tufting are the two most common types used in cask
Twill Weave
a textile weave in which threads are cossed over one another to give an appearance of diagonal lines
Unfinished Wood Box
an unornamented casket made of wood which does not have a fixed interior lining
Unit Pricing
a method of price quotation that creates one total price package for both service and merchandise
Urn
a container for cremated remains; a vase with a foor or pedastal
Urnside
a casket design that displays a body panel with the shape of an urn
Vault
an outer enclosure that offers protection from the earth load as well as possessing sealing qualities
Velvet
a fabric of silk, cotton, and possibly rayon, with a nap
Vertical Side Square
State Casket - a casket body style with the body side at a 90-degree angle to the bottom
Vertical Tablet
a type of cemetery monument in which the die is taller than it is wide.
Visitation
Calling Hours, Visiting Hours - time set aside for friends and relatives to pay respect for the deceased prior to the funeral service
Wood Veneer
created by gluing a thin layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to an inferior wood
Wood Wool
wood shavings
Wrought Bronze
bronze metal rolled into sheets
Wrought Copper
copper metal rolled into sheets
Ziegler Case
a gasket-sealed container which can be used as an insert into a casket or a separate shipping container.
Acknowledgment Cards
cards of recognition sent to friends for kindnessshown to a deceased's family
Acolyte
an alter attendant
Adaptive Funeral Rite
a funeral rite that is adjusted to the needs and wants of those directly involved; one which has been altered to suit the trends of the times
Aftercare (Post-Funeral Follow-Up)
those appropriate and helpful acts of counseling that come after the funeral
Allah
in the Islam faith, the name of God
Altar
an, an elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are performed; in the Christian faith, a table on which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered
Alternative Container
an unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed-wood, composition materials (with or withou
Archbishop
in the Roman Catholic faith, the head of an archdicese
Aron
Hebrew word meaning container; a casket made entirely of wood, containing no metal parts
Arrangements Conference
the meeting between the funeral director and the client family during which the funeral arrangements are discussed
Artificial Grass
An imitation of grass made in mat form and used at the cemetery to cover the earth around the grave.
At-Need Counseling
counseling with the family as they select the services and items of merchansdise in completing arrangments for the funeral service of their choice when a death has occured
Bishop
leader of multiple churches in a particular denomination; in the Roman Catholic faith, the head of a diocese; in the LDS (Mormon) church, Bishop of the ward is leader of a single church
Bonze
The name of the Buddhist faith to describe a calendar that is used to determine an accurate time for casketing the body
Brother
in the Roman Catholic faith, a man who is a member of religious order without being ordanied or while preparing for ordination
Brotherhood
relating to a social organization
Burial
see Interment and Inhumement/Inhumation
Burial-Transit Permit (Disposition Permit)
a legal document, issued by a governmental agency, authorzing transportation and/or disposition of a dead human body
Calling Hours
see Visitation/Visiting Hours
Canopy (Cememtery Tent)
a portable shelter used to cover the grave area during the committal
Cantor
a religious singer who assists the clergy; assiste the Rabbi in the Jewish faith; assists the Priest in the Eastern Orthodox faith
Cardinal
in the Roman Catholic faith, a dignity conferred upon Bishops making them Princes of the Church
Cash Advance
Cash advance items may include, but are not limited to: cemetery or crematory services, pallbearers, public transportation, clergy honoraria, flowers, musicians or singers, nurses, obituary notices, gratuities, and death certificates; sometimes called an
Casketbearer (Pallbearer)
One who actively bears or carries the casket during the funeral service and at the committal service.
Clebrant
the officiant who celebrates the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church
Cemetery
an area of ground set aside and dedicated for the final disposistion of dead human bodies
Cemetery Tent
see Canopy
Certified Copy of a Death Certificate
a legal copy of the original death certificate
Chancel
the portion of the church surrounding the altar, usually enclosing the clegy, area behind the altar or communion rail
Chapel
a building or designated area of a building in which services are conducted
Chaplain
a person chosen to conduct religious services exercises for the military, the chapel of an institution or a fraternal organization
Chevrah Kadisha
Hebrew phrase meaning "Holy Society," a group of men or women from the synagogue who care for the dead; they may be referred to by laymen as the "washers;" in the past, took care of all funeral arrangements and preparation for Jewish funerals.
Christian Burial Certificate/Christian Burial Permit
a letter or form from a priest stating the eligibility of the deceased for burial in a Roman Catholic Cemetery; a.k.a. Priest(ly) Lines
Columbarium
a structure, room, or space in a mausoleum or other building containing niches or recesses used to hold cremated remains
Committal Service
that portion of the funeral that in conducted at the place of disposition of dead human bdies
Common Carrier
any carrier required by law to convey passengers or freight without refusal if the approved fare or charge is paid (airline, train, etc.)
Contemporary Funeral Rite
funeral observances that relect present day (modern) influences in lieu of (or in addition to or as part of) the traditional ceremonies
Coroner
a public officer whose chief duty is to investigate questionable deaths. (Also see: Medical Examiner)
Cortege (archaic term)
see Funeral Procession
Cot
a portable stretcher commonly employed in an ambulance or transfer vehicle for the moving of the sick, injured, or deceased
Cremated Human Remains
cremains
Cremation
the reduction of a dead human body to inorganic fragments by intense heat in a specifically designed retort
Crematorium
see Crematory
Crematory (Crematorium)
a furnace or retort for cremating dead human bodies; a building that houses a retort
Cross
a religious emblem consisting of two plain bars that intersect at right angles to each other
Crossbearer
see Crucifer/Crossbearer
Crucifer/Crossbearer
one who carries the crucifix/cross during an ecclesiastical procession
Crucifix
a cross with a figure or image representing the body of Christ (Corpus) on it
Crypt
a chamber in a mausoleum, generally used to contain the casketed remains of a deased person
Deacon
a subordinate officer in a Christian church
Death Certificate
a legal document containing vital statistics, disposition, and final medical information pertaining to the deceased
Death Notice
a classified notice publicizing the death of a person and giving those details of the funeral service that the survivors wish to have published
Deceased
a dead human body
Dentures
flase teeth
Department of Verterans Affairs/ VA (Previously know as VETERANS ADMINISTRATION)
a federal agency that administers benefits provided by law for veterans of the armed forces
Diocese
in the Roman Catholic faith, a geographical grouping of Parishes under the jurisdiction of a Bishop
Dismissal
leading to an organized departure or inviting to leave
Disposition Permit
see Burial-Transit Permit
Diving Liturgy
liturgical celebration of the Eucharist in Eastern Orthodox churches
Ecclesiastic
pertaining to the church or clergy
Elegy
song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation for the dead
El Malei Rachamin
in the Jewish faith, a memorial service; literally "god full of compassion;" usually the last prayer of the funeral service; sometimes referred to as the Malei
Entombment
the placing of remains in a crypt in a mausoleum
Epitaph
a commemorativeinscription on a tomb or cemetery marker
Escort
to accompany, as a leader of the procession or guardian of the group; military personnel assigned to accompany a body following an active duty death
Eucharist
the consecrated elements of Holy Communion
Eucharistic Minister
layperson sanctioned to administer holy communion and other assigned tasks
Eulogy
an oration praising an individual, usually after death
Final Commendation
in the Roman Catholic faith, the ending portion of the Funeral Mass
Forwarding Remains
One of the categories required to be itemized on the GPL (if the funeral provider offers the service). This involves services of the funeral provider in the locale where death occurs and preparation for transfer to another funeral provider as selected by
Fraternal
relating to social organization
Funeral Service
the rites held at the time of disposition of human remains, with the body present
Funeral Arrangements
the term applied to the completing of the service and financial details of the fuenral at the time of need
Funeral Liturgy (Funeral Mass)
the name of the funeral service in the Roman Catholic Church
Funeral Procession
the procession of vehicales from the place of the fuenral to the place of disposition
Gatha
the first two and last two verses of a Buddhist hymn sung at the funeral service
General Price List (GPL)
a printed list of goods and services offered for sale by funeral provider with retail prices. GPL is considered the keystone of the Funeral Rule
Genuflect
the act of bending the knee as an indication of reverence or as an act of humility
Gratuity (Tip)
gift or small sum of money tendered for a service provided
Grave
an excavation in the earth as a place for interment
Graveside Service
a funeral service, religious or otherwise, conducted at the grave
Grave Straps
webbing or similar material used for lowering the casket into the grave
Guaranteed Contract
one where the funeral home guarantees that the services and merchandise will be provided at the time of need for an amount not exceeding the original amount of the contract plus any accruals, regardless of the cost of providing the services and merchandis
Hesped
in the Jewish faith, a eulogy or true evaluation of the deceased's life that is a part of the funeral service
Holy Water
water blessed by a priest
Honorarium
a nominal compensation or recognition for service performed
Honorary Pallbearers
friends of the family or members of an organization or group who act as an escort or honor guard for the deceased. They do not carry the casket
Humanistic Funeral
a funeral rite that is in essence devoid of religious connotation
Icon
in the Eastern Orthodox faith, a holy picture; usually mosaic or painted on wood
Iconostasis
in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the partition that extends across the front of the church separating the sanctuary from the solea
IHS
the first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus
Imam
in the Islamic faith, the leader of the local congregation
Informant
one who supplies the vital statistical information concerning the deceased
Inhumement/Inhumation
see interment
INRI
an abbreviaiton for the Latin term meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews
Inter (inhume)
to bury in the ground
Interment (Burial, Inhumement/ Inhumation)
the act of placing the dead human body in the ground
Inurnment
the act of placing cremains in an urn. (CANA definition) act of placing cremated remains in a niche or grave
Irrevocable Contract
conttract for future funeral services which cannot be terminated or canceled prior to the death of the beneficiary
Islam
the religion of Muslims that began at the time of Mohammed; Muslims believe that Islam stands for purity, peace, submission to God's (allah's) will and obedience to his laws
Jewish Star
see Mogen David
Jinazah
in the Islamic faith, the funeral or funeral prayer
Kaddish
In the Jewish faith, a prayer recited for the deceased by the direct mourners (parents, siblings, spouse, and children) for the first time at the conclusion of interment service. It is subsequently recited by children for parents at every service for elev
Kever
in the Jewish faith, the grave
Kevurah
in the Jewish faith, the burial
Kin
one's relatives; referring to blood relationship (legally the surviving spouse is not kin).
Kingdom Hall
The appropriate term for the worship facility for the Jehovah's Witnesses
Koran (Quaran)
a hold book of the Islamic faith, revealed to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel
Kriah
Hebrew word meaning rending or tearing; a sumbol of grief; a tear in teh upper corner of the garment or tear on a symbolic ribbon which is worn by the survivors
Levaya
in the Jewish faith, the funeral procession
Liturgical (Eucharist-Centered) Worship
a prescribed order or form of worship to a particular denomination which will have the Eucharist or Hold Communion as its central element
Lot
a subdivision of a cemetery that consists of several grave or interment spaces
Lowering Device
a mechanical deviceused to lower a casket into the ground
Makura-syo
Traditionally, in the Buddhist fiath, a bedside prayer which may now be performed by the bonze just before funeral arrangments are made
Mass
the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist int he Roman Catholic Faith
Mass Card (Spiritual Bouquet)
a documentation indicating the offering of a Mass for a specific intention
Mausoleum
a building containing crypts or caults for entombment
Medical Examiner
a forensically trained physician whose duty is to investigate questionable or unattended deaths (has replaced the coroner in some states)
Memorial Foler (Service Folder)
a pamphlet made available at the fuenral service giving details about the deceased and the funeral arrangments
Memorial Gathering
a scheduled assembly of famiyl and friends following a death
Memorial Park
a cemetery, or section of a cememtery, with only flush-to-the-ground markers
Memorial Service
funeral rites with the body not present
Menorah
in the Jewish faith, a candelabrum with central stem bearing seven cabdles; it is the oldest symbol in Judaism
Military Escort
Military personnel assigned to accompany a body following an active duty death
Mogen David (Star of David)
in the Jewish fiath, a hexagram formed by the combination of two triangles. May be called the Jewish Star. It symbolizes a new hope for the Jewish people.
Mohammed (Muhammad)
a prophet of the Islamic religion born 571 C.E.; considered by Muslims to be God's messenger, but not worshipped or considered to be divine.
Monsignor
an honorary titiled conferred upon a priest
Mosque (Masjid)
the local church building; contains no icons, statues, sumbols, pews, chairs, or musical instruments
Muslim (Moslem)
the name given to a memeber of the Islamic faith
Narthex (Lobby, Vestibule, Foyer)
the entry way into the funeral home or church
National Cemetery
A cemetery created and maintained under an Act of Congress for burial of veterans of military service and their family members.
Nave
the seating or auditorium section of a church
Niche
a recess or space in a columbariumused for the permanent placing of cremated remains
Nirchana
The Buddhist idea of heavenly peace or Pure Land
Non-Guaranteed Contract
one in which the funeral home only agrees that the amount prepaid plus any accruals will be credited to the balance due. However, the price of the funeral will be whatever the current price is for the services and merchandise at the time the death occurs.
Non-Liturgical (Scripture-Centered) Worship
A form or order of worship which has the scriptures as its central element; the actual form or order of the worship service is left to the discretion of each individual church and/or minister.
Obituary
a news item concerning the death of a person which usually contains a biographical sketch
Obsequies
funeral rites or burial ceremonies
Officiant
one who conducts a religious service or ceremony
Pagoda
The Buddhist place of worship
Pall
a symbolic cloth covering placed over the casket
Pallbearer
one who actively bears or carries the casket during the funeral service and at the committal service
Parastas
vigil service associated with Eastern Orthodox funerals
Paschal Candle
in the Roman Catholic faith, a candle placed near the casket during the Funeral Mass that signifies the everlasting light of Christ
Pastor
one having spiritual care over a number of people
Perpetual Care
an arrangement made by cemetery whereby funds are set aside, the income from which is used to maintain the cemetery plot indefinitely
Pope
the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome
Prayer Card
a card with the name of the decedent and a prayer or verse, which may or may not include the dates of birth and death
Pre-funded Funeral Arrangements
those funeral arrangements made in advance of need that include provisions for funding or prepayment
Preplanned Funeral Arrangements
those funeral arrangements made in advance of need that do not include provisions for funding or prepayment
Prie Dieu (Prayer Rail, Kneeler)
a kneeling rail
Priest
a title conferred by ordination
Private Carrier
those who transport only in particular instances and only for those they chose to contract with (funeral home vehicles and livery)
Procession/Processional
the movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginnin of a service
Rabbi
a teacher or ordained leader in the Jewish faith
Reader
in the Church of Christ, Scientist, one authorized to read the lessons and scripture
Receiving Remains
one of the categories required to be itemized on the GPL (if the funeral provider offers the service). This involves services of the funeral provider after initial services have been provided by another firm at the locale of death. Funeral Rule requires p
Receiving Vault
A structure so designed for the temporary storage of bodies, which are not to be immediately interred.
Recession/Recessional
the movement, in an orderly fashion, at the end of a service
Register Book (Memorial Book)
a book signed by those attending a visitation/service
Retort
the burning chamber in a crematory
Revocable Contract
A contract which may be terminated by the purchaser at any time prior to the death of the beneficiary with a refund of the monies paid on the contract as prescribed by state law.
Rosary Beads
beads and a crucifix used as an aid in the revitation of prayers
Rosary Prayers
prayer revited in order at a Rosary or Vigil Service
Royal Doors
Doors in the center of the Iconostasis leading directly to the altar: only ordained clergy are to go through these doors; never cross on the solea in front of the Royal Doors.
Rubrics
In Liturgical churches, stated directions in a prayer book or liturgical manual regarding the order of service as approved by the denomination.
Sacrament of the Sick
in the Roman Catholic faith, a sacrament given to those seriously ill or in danger of death to prepare their souls for eternity.
Sacred Heart
In the Roman Catholic faith, a religious pictureof Jesus Christ showing his radiant heart
Sanctuary
the part of the church about the altar, inside the cancel; (this term may also be used to describe the area of the church where people sit for the services).
Scapular
in the Roman Catholic faith, a pieve of cloth of a medal having religious significance usually worn around the neck
Section
the largest subdivision of a cemetery
Service of Encasketing
In the Buddhist faith, a service performed as a part of casketing the body
Sexton
one who is in charge of the cemetery; the caretaker of a church
Shabbat
the Jewish Sabbath; Christi begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday
Shivah
in the Jewish fiath, a watcher; one who sits with the body until burial
Sholoshim
meaning 30 in the Jewish faith; the 30-day mourning period
Shomer
in the Jewish faith, a watcher; one who sits with the body until burial
Shroud
a cloth of garment in which a dead person is wrapped or dressed for burial
Sign of the Cross
a symbolic sign of the Cross; made with the right hand
Sister (Nun)
in the Roman Catholic faith, a woman who is a member of a religious order, especially one bound by vows of poverty, chasity, and obedience
Social Security Administration
a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which provides benefits for retirement, survivors/insurance, disability, health insurance, and death
Solea
in the Eastern Orthodox church, the open area (sometimes raised) before the altar
Survivor
one who outlives anotherperson or lives through an event
Tachrichim
a hand-sewn white linen shroud in which the deceased memebers of the Jewish faith are dressed
Taharah
In the Jewish faith, the ceremony of washing the deceased before the burial; serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body and should be performed by the Chevra Kaddisha.
Tallith
a prayer shawl worn by mean during the Morning Prayer service in the Jewish faith
Tehillim
in the Jewish faith, prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer. These prayers come from the book of Psalms
Temple Ordincances
ceremonial instructions of the Mormon Church, given only within a Temple to worth members of the sect
Third Party Beneficiary Contracts
contracts entered into by two parties for the benefit of another
Tomb
a general term designating those places suitable for the receptionof a dead human body
Transepts
wings of teh main part of the church which may serve as small chapels for baptism, weddings, and even for small funeral services
Transfer of Remains (Removal, First Call)
the moving of the dead human body from the place of death to the funeral home or other designated place
Transfer Vehicle (First Call Car)
the automobile generally used for transporting the uncasketed dead human body from the place of death to the mortuary
Trisagion
in the Eastern Orthodox faith, three short services or blessings that are part of the funeral rite
Trust Account
Account established by one individual to be held for the benefit of another; creates a fiduciary responsibility. (As a method of payment of funeral expenses). Money paid to a funeral home for future services is placed in an account with the funeral home a
Vestments
ritual garments worn by clergy
Veteran
one who has served a prescribed period of time with the armed forves and who is no longer an active member or the armed forces
Veterans Administration
a Federal agency that administers benefits provided by law for veterans of the armed forces
Vigil Lights
in the Roman Catholic faith, a set of two candles that may be placed one at the head and one at the foot of the casket during the visitation period
Visitation (Calling Hours, Visiting Hours)
time set aside for friends and relatives to pay respect to the deceased prior to the funeral service
Vital Statistics
the collection, tabulation, and interpretation of data concerning birth, marriage, divorce, sickeness, and death
Wake
historically a watch kept over the deceased; an all-night vigil
Waker Service (Vigil Service/Rosary Service)
in the Roman Catholic faith, a prayer or scripture service usually held at the funeral home the evening before the Funeral Mass
Yahrzeit
in the Jewish faith, the skullcap worn by the men at temple services and funeral services
Yizkor
in the Jewish faith, a memorial service recited four times a year
?% of funeral homes have no display
25%
Wholesale / Retail
consumer value index = ?
Retail - Wholesale
Gross Casket Profit Margin = ?
Wholesale / Amount of Merch = %
Merchandise Value Ratio = ?
consumer value index
measures the value received for each dollar spent by the consumer
Gross Casket Profit Margin
measures profit of each casket to funeral home
Mark-up x a constant factor
Fixed Multiple/Times Factor = ?
$200 x 3 = $600
The casket cost to a funeral director is $200. The funeral homes fixed multiple is 3. What is the selling price?
graduated recovery
A pricing method where the mark up varies. Higher priced caskets are given a higher mark up.
1) Cost Value Index improves with higher priced caskets
2) encourages consumer to buy better merchandise
* win-win situation
Advantages of Declining Price Structure (2)
1) Low margin on low-end caskets
2) attractive option for families who can, but don't want to spend
Disadvantages of Modified Declining Price (2)
Declining Price Structure
A pricing method where there is an inverse relationship between the mark up and the price of the casket. Higher priced caskets get a lower mark up.
Mean (average)
The sum of a group of numbers divided by number of units?
Unit pricing
A method of price quotation which creates one total price package for both service and merchandise?
Bi-unit pricing
A method of price quotation showing separately the price of services and the price of the casket?
Functional pricing
A method of price quotation by which the changes are broken down into several component parts, such as professional service, facilities, automobile, and merchandise?
Package pricing
A method of pricing where certain items of service and merchandise are grouped together and sold at a specific price?
mark down
reduction of selling price
mark up
difference between merchandise cost and selling price
X= 1 step oversize
XX= 2 above normal width
In oversize caskets X means= ?
XX means=?
wood (75 x 22)
metal (78 x 23)
Standard length/width of wood casket?
Metal casket?
200 cubic inches
Minimum volume of cremains in urn?
Upright marker/monument
Most common form of memorialization. Consists of two pieces; tablet and base.
Die (tablet)
the main part of the monument, the upright portion above base where inscription is located?
principle x rate x time
Simple interest = ?
liabilities + owner's equity
Assets = ?
amount of the funds contributed by the owners + the retained earnings (or losses).
Equity = ?
break-even analysis
point at which total sales revenue equals total operating costs
circulating capital (working capital)
the difference between current assets and current liabilities
closed end credit
balance of costly goods paid for in small monthly payments over a period of time
consumer credit
a type of credit granted by retailers that is used by individuals/families for satisfaction of their own wants
credit
an agreement that payment for a product/service that will be made at a later time
Economic Order Quantity
the quantity to be purchased which minimizes total costs
functional pricing
a method of price quotation in which the charges are broken down into several major component parts
income
an inflow of assets as a result of selling product or providing service
invoice
a source document showing quantity, description, prices of items, total amount of purchase and terms of payment
1984
Funer Rule was established in what year
6
16
# of mandatory disclosures?
# of required itemizations?
-Basic services fee
-Alternative container
-(Right of) Selection
-Embalming
-Casket Price List
-Outer burial container
The mandatory disclosures by name?
1. Forwarding of remains to another funeral home
2. Receiving remains from another funeral home
3. Direct cremation
4. Immediate burial
5. Basic services of funeral director and staff, and overhead
6. Transfer of remains to funeral home
7. Embalming
8. Ot
The required itemizations?
-They make a selection
-required by law
-non-declinable basic services fee
3 ways you can charge a consumer:
-if selected
-required by law
When you can charge for embalming: (2)
-unable to contact family by due diligence
-no reason to believe they would not want embalming (religious reasons)
-obtain subsequent approval
The 3 requirements for embalming: (must have all 3)
-Funeral home name
-effective date
-title : "GPL
The General Price List must have these 3 things:
-Funeral home name
-effective date
-title : "CPL" or "outer burial...."
-must list all units and prices
CPL/Outer Burial Container Price list must have all these requirements: (4)
Statement of Goods and Services Selected
Funeral Contract is also known as this:
-Legal requirements
-Cash Advance items
-Embalming
The 3 disclosures on Statement of Goods and Services
as soon as there is any talk about funeral goods and services
When should GPL be given
1 year from day of last use
How long do you keep price lists?
if located in residential area
When can funeral home be considered a nuisance?
Department of Labor
OSHA Formaldehyde rule is administered by who?
8 hour/twa
0.75 ppm
Formaldehyde rule exposure limits:
? time weighted hour
? ppm (parts per million)
2ppm
15 min STEL = ? ppm
0.5 ppm / twa
What is the formaldehyde action level?
6 months
Funeral home has to monitor formaldehyde levels every ? months if action level is reached
submit plan of action to OSHA
If formaldehyde level reached above action level, what must be done?
30 years
Medical tests on employees must be kept for how many years?
-written exposure control plan
-employee training
-employee PPE
-Hepatitis B vaccines
4 Bloodbourne Pathogen Standard requirements:
-Truth in Lending Act
-Gram-Leech Bliley Act
If funeral home offers credit/financing to consumer, they must provide these 2 things:
(magnuson & moss) warranty act
Act that involves implied warranties
(Sherman) Anti-trust Act
The law prohibits contracts, combinations, or conspiracies "in the restraint of trade or commerce." (Act)
-merchantibility
-fitness for particular purpose
Warranties that can exclaimed that are implied by F.Home (2)
expressed warranty
Cannot exclaim ? warranty
actual custody
When body/belongings are physically in your care?
constructive custody
Person has right of disposition
authorization/consent
When exceeding the scope of restorative procedures, you need this:
what you would not normally do for embalming
Restorative is defined as:
private
A funeral home hearse in procession would be considered a ? carrier
common
A plane shipping a body is considered a ? carrier
irrevocable
contract that cannot be canceled
guaranteed
prices are locked-in when this contract is made
-applies to sales exceeding $25
-consumer has til midnight of 3rd day to cancel
2 important considerations with FTC door-to-door prepaid contract
Equal Opportunity Employer Commission
Wage per hour law is governed by whom?
negotiable instrument
means an unconditional promise or order to pay a fixed amount of money, with or without interest or other charges described in the promise or order
(1) is payable to bearer or to order at the time it is issued or first comes into possession of a holder;
(2) is payable on demand or at a definite time; and
(3) does not state any other undertaking or instruction by the person promising or ordering payme
Negotiable instrument 3 requirements
-still need to be provided copies of price lists
-abide by FTC
If there is a preneed before 1984, they must... (2)
Endorser
person who writes his or her name on back of instrument.