Corpse (krps), n.
Etymology: [OF. cors (sometimes written corps), F. corps, L. corpus; akin to AS. hrif womb. See Midriff, and cf. Corse, Corselet, Corps, Cuerpo.]
1. A human body in general, whether living or dead; -- sometimes contemptuosly. [Obs.]
Note: Formerly written (after the French form) corps. See Corps, n., 1.
2. The dead body of a human being; -- used also Fig. He touched the dead corpse of Public Credit, and it sprung upon its feet. D. Webster. Corpse candle. (a) A thick candle formerly used at a lich wake, or the customary watching with a corpse on the night before its interment. (b) A luminous appearance, resembling the flame of a candle, sometimes seen in churchyards and other damp places, superstitiously regarded as portending death. -- Corpse gate, the gate of a burial place through which the dead are carried, often having a covered porch; -- called also lich gate.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for corpse; he lists it under body.
Where he writes about it:
Corpse and remains are used only of the dead. — from body
Corpse is the plain technical word for a dead body still retaining its unity; remains may be used after any lapse of time; the latter is also the more refined and less ghastly term; as, friends are invited to view the remains. — from body