What is defined as a rigid container for encasing human remains?

The term that specifically refers to a rigid container designed to encase human remains is a casket. Caskets are traditionally constructed from wood or metal and are intended for burial or cremation purposes. They are designed not only to hold the deceased but also to provide a respectful and dignified presentation during viewings and funerals.

An urn, in contrast, is typically used to hold cremated remains, often made from ceramic, metal, or other materials, but it does not serve as a rigid container for uncremated human remains. A container is a broader term that could encompass various types of holders but does not specifically imply the structural characteristics or intended use associated with caskets. A vault refers to an underground chamber or structure that houses a casket, usually for burial purposes; it does not directly encase human remains in the same way a casket does. Therefore, the definition of a casket aligns perfectly with the description of a rigid container for encasing human remains.