What term describes a case or receptacle designed for dead human remains, typically anthropoidal in shape?

The term that describes a case or receptacle designed for dead human remains, typically anthropoidal in shape, is "coffin." A coffin is specifically constructed to hold a deceased person's body and is often made in a way that reflects human anatomical features, which is why it takes on an anthropoidal shape.

Coffins are designed to not only contain the body but also provide a sense of dignity and respect for the deceased. They are often used in funeral practices, serving both practical and ceremonial purposes.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different objects associated with burials or remains. An urn is typically used for containing cremated ashes, a crypt is a space or vault for entombing one or multiple bodies, and a vault is generally a secure structure or compartment for burial, often designed to protect caskets from the weight of the earth above or from other elements. Each of these serves a distinct purpose in the context of handling deceased remains but does not specifically denote the anthropoidal form typical of a coffin.