lich

Etymology 1

From Middle English lich, from Old English līċ, from Proto-West Germanic *līk, from Proto-Germanic *līką, from Proto-Indo-European *leyg-. Cognate with Dutch lijk, German Leiche, Norwegian lik, Swedish lik, Danish lig.

noun

1. (archaic, UK) A corpse or dead body.
   […] and that, as the chronicle states, a lich-way would be made through then, assembled his servants, and attempted to stop its progress as it was carried over a bridge. A scuffle ensued, and the body was thrown into the water. The lich-way as not made ; but the Bishop of Exeter amply revenged himself for the proceedings. 1845, Penny Magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, page 35
   She saw him again that eventide, but then he was a reddened lich. 1983, Poul Anderson, Time Patrolman (Sci-Fi)
2. (fantasy, roleplaying games) A reanimated corpse or undead being; particularly an intelligent, undead spellcaster.
   It was a lich’s face – desiccated flesh tight over its skull. 1974, Karl Edward Wagner, Sticks
3. Ellipsis of lichfield.
4. Ellipsis of lichgate.
5. Ellipsis of lichway.

Etymology 2

From Middle English līke, līch (“like”); see like and -like for more. Compare -ly and -lich.

adj

1. (obsolete) Like; resembling; equal.
   1386-90, John Gower, Confessio Amantis. Anon he let two cofres make / Of one semblance, and of one make, / So lich, that no lif thilke throwe, / That one may fro that other knowe.