<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AcquisitionsEffectOfAcquisitionOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#AcquisitionsEffectOfAcquisitionOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AcquisitionsSelectedInformationOnAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#AcquisitionsSelectedInformationOnAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsAndLiabilitiesAssociatedWithCemeteryAndFuneralHomeBusinessesHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsAndLiabilitiesAssociatedWithCemeteryAndFuneralHomeBusinessesHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsCemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsCemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithTrustInvestmentsHeldInPerpetualCareTrustFundsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithTrustInvestmentsHeldInPerpetualCareTrustFundsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPerpetualCareTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPerpetualCareTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsRecordedInInterestIncomeAndOtherNetDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsRecordedInInterestIncomeAndOtherNetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPerpetualCareTrustsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPerpetualCareTrustsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTables" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTheComponentsOfCareTrustsCorpusDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTheComponentsOfCareTrustsCorpusDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesPayableToAffiliateAndCompanyObligatedMandatorilyRedeemableConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesOfCarriageServicesCapitalTrustDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesPayableToAffiliateAndCompanyObligatedMandatorilyRedeemableConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesOfCarriageServicesCapitalTrustDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/DeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssets" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#DeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/DeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssetsDeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssetsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#DeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssetsDeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyOfValuationTechniquesUtilizedToDetermineFairValuesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyOfValuationTechniquesUtilizedToDetermineFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/GoodwillChangesInGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#GoodwillChangesInGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesScheduleOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesScheduleOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtSeniorLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#LongTermDebtLongTermDebtSeniorLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/MajorSegmentsOfBusiness" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#MajorSegmentsOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/MajorSegmentsOfBusinessRevenuePreTaxIncomeAndTotalAssetsBySegmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#MajorSegmentsOfBusinessRevenuePreTaxIncomeAndTotalAssetsBySegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreferredStock" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreferredStock" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreferredStockPreferredStockDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreferredStockPreferredStockDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedCemeteryReceivablesAgingOfPastDueFinancingReceivablesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedCemeteryReceivablesAgingOfPastDueFinancingReceivablesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedCemeteryReceivablesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedCemeteryReceivablesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedCemeteryReceivablesPreneedCemeteryReceivablesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedCemeteryReceivablesPreneedCemeteryReceivablesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsComponentsOfPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsComponentsOfPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsComponentsOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsComponentsOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPreneedCemeteryTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPreneedCemeteryTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPreneedFuneralTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPreneedFuneralTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnCemeteryMerchandiseAndServiceTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnCemeteryMerchandiseAndServiceTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedCemeteryTrustsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedCemeteryTrustsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedFuneralTrustsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedFuneralTrustsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsTables" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#PreneedTrustInvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrusts" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ReceivablesFromPreneedTrusts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsReceivablesFromPreneedFuneralTrustFundsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsReceivablesFromPreneedFuneralTrustFundsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsCompositionOfAssetHeldInTrustsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsCompositionOfAssetHeldInTrustsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsTables" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransaction" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransaction" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransactionDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransactionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityAssumptionsUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityAssumptionsUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityFourQuarterlyAssumptionsForFairValueOfRightOptionToPurchaseSharesUnderEsppDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityFourQuarterlyAssumptionsForFairValueOfRightOptionToPurchaseSharesUnderEsppDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityOutstandingStockOptionsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityOutstandingStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityStatusOfStockBasedCompensationPlansDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityStatusOfStockBasedCompensationPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquitySummaryOfOptionsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquitySummaryOfOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquitySummaryOfUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquitySummaryOfUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SubsequentEventsSubsequentEvents" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#SubsequentEventsSubsequentEvents" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SubsequentEventsSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#SubsequentEventsSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalDisclosureForConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalDisclosureForConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfStatementOfOperationsInformation" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfStatementOfOperationsInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfStatementOfOperationsInformationSupplementalDisclosureForConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfStatementOfOperationsInformationSupplementalDisclosureForConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AcquisitionsEffectOfAcquisitionOnConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5D11BACEB35851E641D57B1F80CF6B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_A4C255F22D836549A5B27B1F80CEF0BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5D11BACEB35851E641D57B1F80CF6B18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_A4C255F22D836549A5B27B1F80CEF0BE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FF9DF7C5EE5C40617A617B1F80CF45F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_A4C255F22D836549A5B27B1F80CEF0BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FF9DF7C5EE5C40617A617B1F80CF45F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_919743678F1A96FFDC407B1F80CF2777_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FF9DF7C5EE5C40617A617B1F80CF45F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_919743678F1A96FFDC407B1F80CF2777_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_919743678F1A96FFDC407B1F80CF2777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_FF9DF7C5EE5C40617A617B1F80CF45F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_919743678F1A96FFDC407B1F80CF2777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AcquisitionsIn2012Member" xlink:label="loc_csv_AcquisitionsIn2012Member_F2123CCD2042196377E37B1F80CF6E37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_919743678F1A96FFDC407B1F80CF2777" xlink:to="loc_csv_AcquisitionsIn2012Member_F2123CCD2042196377E37B1F80CF6E37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5D11BACEB35851E641D57B1F80CF6B18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsNet_84D57B362EEEAB4CF14B7B1F80D05298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsNet_84D57B362EEEAB4CF14B7B1F80D05298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_A62AEDA15192EF2FB9817B1F80D1C0CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_A62AEDA15192EF2FB9817B1F80D1C0CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_F46C793156F73B51BB577B1F80D17FA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_F46C793156F73B51BB577B1F80D17FA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets_C5FDFA7A8672DC4F8CA27B1F80D106B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets_C5FDFA7A8672DC4F8CA27B1F80D106B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPreneedFuneralTrustInvestments" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPreneedFuneralTrustInvestments_C14DEB71AB56B9CAB0EE7B1F80D1CD77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPreneedFuneralTrustInvestments_C14DEB71AB56B9CAB0EE7B1F80D1CD77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedLiabilities_67DC102A2F02E8ED90C67B4C5E3B4C6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedLiabilities_67DC102A2F02E8ED90C67B4C5E3B4C6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNotesPayable_1A8BB72D18282FFAF3187B1F80D292FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNotesPayable_1A8BB72D18282FFAF3187B1F80D292FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CareTrustsCorpus" xlink:label="loc_csv_CareTrustsCorpus_84F739C0A051DDBA59967B1F80D2924B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_csv_CareTrustsCorpus_84F739C0A051DDBA59967B1F80D2924B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredPreneedFuneralRevenue" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredPreneedFuneralRevenue_A80A887EA88205D2233D7B1F80D2DB76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredPreneedFuneralRevenue_A80A887EA88205D2233D7B1F80D2DB76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredPreneedFuneralReceiptsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredPreneedFuneralReceiptsHeldInTrust_983E7AE054DDFA9DBF9A7B1F80D26AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredPreneedFuneralReceiptsHeldInTrust_983E7AE054DDFA9DBF9A7B1F80D26AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid_00E71933F6A0679CC6917B1F80D2616D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAbstract_36B9893476A162F3D5BA7B1F80CFAC4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid_00E71933F6A0679CC6917B1F80D2616D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8485311322B3D723CBEA4678637EC254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8485311322B3D723CBEA4678637EC254" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_577BAFF0ED4C651A966B4678637E77AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8485311322B3D723CBEA4678637EC254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_577BAFF0ED4C651A966B4678637E77AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8FB130631A557A6B02654678637E26CA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_577BAFF0ED4C651A966B4678637E77AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8FB130631A557A6B02654678637E26CA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8FB130631A557A6B02654678637E26CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_577BAFF0ED4C651A966B4678637E77AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8FB130631A557A6B02654678637E26CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AcquisitionsIn2012Member" xlink:label="loc_csv_AcquisitionsIn2012Member_65D59C7616D16D10E2DB4678637ECE0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8FB130631A557A6B02654678637E26CA" xlink:to="loc_csv_AcquisitionsIn2012Member_65D59C7616D16D10E2DB4678637ECE0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AcquisitionsIn2011Member" xlink:label="loc_csv_AcquisitionsIn2011Member_46181E15402D0DBB18194678637ECBBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8FB130631A557A6B02654678637E26CA" xlink:to="loc_csv_AcquisitionsIn2011Member_46181E15402D0DBB18194678637ECBBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_74C906CB74750D5CFF2B4678637E9489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8485311322B3D723CBEA4678637EC254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_74C906CB74750D5CFF2B4678637E9489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A37DDF3900B4023496734678637E0F80_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_74C906CB74750D5CFF2B4678637E9489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A37DDF3900B4023496734678637E0F80_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A37DDF3900B4023496734678637E0F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_74C906CB74750D5CFF2B4678637E9489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A37DDF3900B4023496734678637E0F80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_NC" xlink:label="loc_stpr_NC_3BEE296E70E45E811EDB4678637E78FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A37DDF3900B4023496734678637E0F80" xlink:to="loc_stpr_NC_3BEE296E70E45E811EDB4678637E78FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_TX" xlink:label="loc_stpr_TX_FE7300F00DB05E9A5CA14678637F7467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A37DDF3900B4023496734678637E0F80" xlink:to="loc_stpr_TX_FE7300F00DB05E9A5CA14678637F7467" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_OK" xlink:label="loc_stpr_OK_A5CEC07F7CE8606902A54678637FA998" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_A37DDF3900B4023496734678637E0F80" xlink:to="loc_stpr_OK_A5CEC07F7CE8606902A54678637FA998" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A17AF89CDEBEF85A02D4678637FC719" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8485311322B3D723CBEA4678637EC254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A17AF89CDEBEF85A02D4678637FC719" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2487995516AA41C4B62C4678637F2508_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A17AF89CDEBEF85A02D4678637FC719" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2487995516AA41C4B62C4678637F2508_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2487995516AA41C4B62C4678637F2508" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0A17AF89CDEBEF85A02D4678637FC719" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2487995516AA41C4B62C4678637F2508" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_F76EC62E1251A2E8B4AA4678637FF951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2487995516AA41C4B62C4678637F2508" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_F76EC62E1251A2E8B4AA4678637FF951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralMember_1A8FE9D105D04C116B2C4678637FEB92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2487995516AA41C4B62C4678637F2508" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralMember_1A8FE9D105D04C116B2C4678637FEB92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AD17DFF460A4A98FEFB34678637F41BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_8485311322B3D723CBEA4678637EC254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AD17DFF460A4A98FEFB34678637F41BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A4EF5660BFB579D9F8C54678637F8857_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AD17DFF460A4A98FEFB34678637F41BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A4EF5660BFB579D9F8C54678637F8857_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A4EF5660BFB579D9F8C54678637F8857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AD17DFF460A4A98FEFB34678637F41BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A4EF5660BFB579D9F8C54678637F8857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_ED50BCA56FB774C247A84678637FE47A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A4EF5660BFB579D9F8C54678637F8857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_ED50BCA56FB774C247A84678637FE47A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_F82CE17A34CC560080CE4678637F2CAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A4EF5660BFB579D9F8C54678637F8857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_F82CE17A34CC560080CE4678637F2CAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfAcquisitionGrowthPlanStrategicRankingCriteria" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfAcquisitionGrowthPlanStrategicRankingCriteria_F0BA2CDFA52F7BD94E40467863808F13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfAcquisitionGrowthPlanStrategicRankingCriteria_F0BA2CDFA52F7BD94E40467863808F13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_4F6AB75797B3B634C661467863807756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_4F6AB75797B3B634C661467863807756" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid_D18603BCB7F98CD8BB55467863807AA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid_D18603BCB7F98CD8BB55467863807AA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityLiabilitiesIncurred_522625A273093C67257846786380FFD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityLiabilitiesIncurred_522625A273093C67257846786380FFD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_AB0AD624D7A73CACBA0F46786380646F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_AB0AD624D7A73CACBA0F46786380646F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_6E79414DF97214475BF1467863802A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_2F664006EB46D6BF8CBD4678637F0206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_6E79414DF97214475BF1467863802A38" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AcquisitionsSelectedInformationOnAcquisitionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5F747935D244899A50A6036671619F79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E6FFD5D655868726D2D3036671606D30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5F747935D244899A50A6036671619F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E6FFD5D655868726D2D3036671606D30" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4912A9B70322C762BFDC0366716026B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E6FFD5D655868726D2D3036671606D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4912A9B70322C762BFDC0366716026B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4912A9B70322C762BFDC0366716026B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4912A9B70322C762BFDC0366716026B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DowningtonPennsylvaniaMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DowningtonPennsylvaniaMember_605CF6B9088BD0B4AF0E036671608262" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:to="loc_csv_DowningtonPennsylvaniaMember_605CF6B9088BD0B4AF0E036671608262" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_GriffinGeorgiaMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_GriffinGeorgiaMember_4552DCE79CA06A8191DD03667160A4C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:to="loc_csv_GriffinGeorgiaMember_4552DCE79CA06A8191DD03667160A4C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LawtonOklahomaMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_LawtonOklahomaMember_24D76A008C124A8E1055036671610372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:to="loc_csv_LawtonOklahomaMember_24D76A008C124A8E1055036671610372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_KatyTexasMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_KatyTexasMember_55B1EA954BE7A103F7BB036671617451" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:to="loc_csv_KatyTexasMember_55B1EA954BE7A103F7BB036671617451" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_HighPointNorthCarolinaMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_HighPointNorthCarolinaMember_64E14881B595EBCA2DBA036671617BCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:to="loc_csv_HighPointNorthCarolinaMember_64E14881B595EBCA2DBA036671617BCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BaytownTexasMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_BaytownTexasMember_E57CE4D34685D6EA7B890366716116CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:to="loc_csv_BaytownTexasMember_E57CE4D34685D6EA7B890366716116CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NormanOklahomaMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_NormanOklahomaMember_3D6344CB0DA2EE75DA4203667161FAD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7C87E273102BF4656CA103667160BD3C" xlink:to="loc_csv_NormanOklahomaMember_3D6344CB0DA2EE75DA4203667161FAD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredAxis" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredAxis_F29388AB8A12598BF6C803667161C19F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E6FFD5D655868726D2D3036671606D30" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredAxis_F29388AB8A12598BF6C803667161C19F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain_5626C5F68543CE57805B0366716103F4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredAxis_F29388AB8A12598BF6C803667161C19F" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain_5626C5F68543CE57805B0366716103F4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain_5626C5F68543CE57805B0366716103F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredAxis_F29388AB8A12598BF6C803667161C19F" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain_5626C5F68543CE57805B0366716103F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TwoFuneralHomesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_TwoFuneralHomesMember_69DBBD754F297EB3EB9803667161504B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain_5626C5F68543CE57805B0366716103F4" xlink:to="loc_csv_TwoFuneralHomesMember_69DBBD754F297EB3EB9803667161504B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_OneFuneralHomeMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_OneFuneralHomeMember_0C9C1A66C885D37CF16303667161A671" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain_5626C5F68543CE57805B0366716103F4" xlink:to="loc_csv_OneFuneralHomeMember_0C9C1A66C885D37CF16303667161A671" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_OneCemeteryMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_OneCemeteryMember_D7D338EB9AEBB62D1F5F036671611593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_FuneralHomesAcquiredDomain_5626C5F68543CE57805B0366716103F4" xlink:to="loc_csv_OneCemeteryMember_D7D338EB9AEBB62D1F5F036671611593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_E16C3CF342635EA4D953036671612A2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5F747935D244899A50A6036671619F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_E16C3CF342635EA4D953036671612A2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_25742460B29FAD75A27C03667161D9CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5F747935D244899A50A6036671619F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_25742460B29FAD75A27C03667161D9CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_A0E096C5BD9F82A85F16036671612927" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5F747935D244899A50A6036671619F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_A0E096C5BD9F82A85F16036671612927" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_E04BAEC1BF889879141A036671610E77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5F747935D244899A50A6036671619F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_E04BAEC1BF889879141A036671610E77" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsAndLiabilitiesAssociatedWithCemeteryAndFuneralHomeBusinessesHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0C2C7AD6C4AE37BF3BB4640FAC89E53C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3032468EE8A08A28AD78640FAC88D74C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0C2C7AD6C4AE37BF3BB4640FAC89E53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3032468EE8A08A28AD78640FAC88D74C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_C323F86D14B7F4A96B14640FAC88BB03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3032468EE8A08A28AD78640FAC88D74C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_C323F86D14B7F4A96B14640FAC88BB03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_C323F86D14B7F4A96B14640FAC88BB03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_C323F86D14B7F4A96B14640FAC88BB03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_542394CC2A95F596AEDC640FAC88D1E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_542394CC2A95F596AEDC640FAC88D1E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_0A2E88446BCB24DABDD5640FAC891474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_0A2E88446BCB24DABDD5640FAC891474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_5393AE243E3E7C0DD618640FAC89F66F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_5393AE243E3E7C0DD618640FAC89F66F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember_32C8D0B60C7B03E07429640FAC8922EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember_32C8D0B60C7B03E07429640FAC8922EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobilesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AutomobilesMember_81D0D7E65331A73388E2640FAC89E1C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AutomobilesMember_81D0D7E65331A73388E2640FAC89E1C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FurnitureEquipmentAndAutomobilesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FurnitureEquipmentAndAutomobilesMember_4A4EDFC9433BBE1011DE640FAC89C336" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E43B4A9ADE65D6DBDC34640FAC880B84" xlink:to="loc_csv_FurnitureEquipmentAndAutomobilesMember_4A4EDFC9433BBE1011DE640FAC89C336" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_45DFACA664EF4CE71D7F640FAC8926E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3032468EE8A08A28AD78640FAC88D74C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_45DFACA664EF4CE71D7F640FAC8926E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_083819B5283F3A89F10C640FAC89C73D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_45DFACA664EF4CE71D7F640FAC8926E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_083819B5283F3A89F10C640FAC89C73D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_083819B5283F3A89F10C640FAC89C73D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_45DFACA664EF4CE71D7F640FAC8926E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_083819B5283F3A89F10C640FAC89C73D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_DEED20863D723567E1AD640FAC899327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_083819B5283F3A89F10C640FAC89C73D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_DEED20863D723567E1AD640FAC899327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1F79424A90B6E495B922640FAC89DC8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_083819B5283F3A89F10C640FAC89C73D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1F79424A90B6E495B922640FAC89DC8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_F796AFC8C1DFA9E17AE4640FAC89AB40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0C2C7AD6C4AE37BF3BB4640FAC89E53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives_F796AFC8C1DFA9E17AE4640FAC89AB40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_FE3E04F5EDEB311EBE2E640FAC89DC19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0C2C7AD6C4AE37BF3BB4640FAC89E53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_FE3E04F5EDEB311EBE2E640FAC89DC19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_8BD184BAD81D2B4594F1640FAC89FC4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0C2C7AD6C4AE37BF3BB4640FAC89E53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_8BD184BAD81D2B4594F1640FAC89FC4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_49B5720CB9026BBA3CF0640FAC897E84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_0C2C7AD6C4AE37BF3BB4640FAC89E53C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_49B5720CB9026BBA3CF0640FAC897E84" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AB3B57981B626DB7747616144DE1F3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AB3B57981B626DB7747616144DE1F3B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_456FEECAAFB9E53DC330616144DEB529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AB3B57981B626DB7747616144DE1F3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_456FEECAAFB9E53DC330616144DEB529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07C055E72F724D014F616144E4B1FF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_456FEECAAFB9E53DC330616144DEB529" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07C055E72F724D014F616144E4B1FF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07C055E72F724D014F616144E4B1FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_456FEECAAFB9E53DC330616144DEB529" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07C055E72F724D014F616144E4B1FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralMember_D38FB0E4F119C97CE069616144E43AF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07C055E72F724D014F616144E4B1FF" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralMember_D38FB0E4F119C97CE069616144E43AF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_9FDC6F76F6F3263DE7D8616144E4403B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07C055E72F724D014F616144E4B1FF" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_9FDC6F76F6F3263DE7D8616144E4403B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_822EFAA6364ADD279B44616144E4A086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AB3B57981B626DB7747616144DE1F3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_822EFAA6364ADD279B44616144E4A086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3106EC9C5098D3FF32DC616144E42D3B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_822EFAA6364ADD279B44616144E4A086" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3106EC9C5098D3FF32DC616144E42D3B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3106EC9C5098D3FF32DC616144E42D3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_822EFAA6364ADD279B44616144E4A086" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3106EC9C5098D3FF32DC616144E42D3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_6B587ACC8B60B5FE11DB616144E41D60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3106EC9C5098D3FF32DC616144E42D3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_6B587ACC8B60B5FE11DB616144E41D60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember_3D8CBD1B94DF051CF4BD616144E5050B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3106EC9C5098D3FF32DC616144E42D3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember_3D8CBD1B94DF051CF4BD616144E5050B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfInstitutionsToWhichManagementServicesAreProvided" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfInstitutionsToWhichManagementServicesAreProvided_0306CF0379B0FD1CC84F616144E5F404" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfInstitutionsToWhichManagementServicesAreProvided_0306CF0379B0FD1CC84F616144E5F404" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RevenueRecognitionCumulativePaymentsToTriggerRecognitionPercentOfContractPrice" xlink:label="loc_csv_RevenueRecognitionCumulativePaymentsToTriggerRecognitionPercentOfContractPrice_9F53F3FE82F037DB2F48616144E6DF40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_RevenueRecognitionCumulativePaymentsToTriggerRecognitionPercentOfContractPrice_9F53F3FE82F037DB2F48616144E6DF40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfFuneralHomes" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfFuneralHomes_7D2BEC7E7AE6FFD3A713616144E64BDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfFuneralHomes_7D2BEC7E7AE6FFD3A713616144E64BDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperatesFuneralHomes" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperatesFuneralHomes_41356214A88206FC0B92616144E65867" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperatesFuneralHomes_41356214A88206FC0B92616144E65867" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfCemeteries" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfCemeteries_EB738BAAD04A7AE5BBFB616144E65002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfCemeteries_EB738BAAD04A7AE5BBFB616144E65002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperatedCemeteries" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperatedCemeteries_B1F7BA9A608BADC31F67616144E6C790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperatedCemeteries_B1F7BA9A608BADC31F67616144E6C790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6E809222E5F98A58F641616144E64DDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6E809222E5F98A58F641616144E64DDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetNoncurrent_4BFE8235203DDB7890F7616144E6BE8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetNoncurrent_4BFE8235203DDB7890F7616144E6BE8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_2DE3FDD8B80540D862276163E4BD861B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_2DE3FDD8B80540D862276163E4BD861B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PercentageOfTrustAssetsInCustodyOfInstitutionReceivingTrustManagementServices" xlink:label="loc_csv_PercentageOfTrustAssetsInCustodyOfInstitutionReceivingTrustManagementServices_80C5E5BCC931177D2814616144E620EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_PercentageOfTrustAssetsInCustodyOfInstitutionReceivingTrustManagementServices_80C5E5BCC931177D2814616144E620EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_520056C5B08F35E5A923616144E7FE66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_520056C5B08F35E5A923616144E7FE66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCharges_E48344D923AFE4A6C810616144E7DDE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCharges_E48344D923AFE4A6C810616144E7DDE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_7042F4D4629A380282AC616144E7FD5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_7042F4D4629A380282AC616144E7FD5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotes_0547B37B28FB307D165B616144E74629" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotes_0547B37B28FB307D165B616144E74629" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_7A2E497A85613295B9D8616144E7C17E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_7A2E497A85613295B9D8616144E7C17E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7BAF06397811B151184F616144E7A666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7BAF06397811B151184F616144E7A666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate_A0A6FA1D7141881651FA616144E75767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate_A0A6FA1D7141881651FA616144E75767" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfFuneralHomesAcquiredInAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfFuneralHomesAcquiredInAcquisitions_C4415714E1D099CC1FC8616144E7DEFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfFuneralHomesAcquiredInAcquisitions_C4415714E1D099CC1FC8616144E7DEFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_SaleOccurranceExpected" xlink:label="loc_csv_SaleOccurranceExpected_BAA12027BA337C914754616144E89C1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_SaleOccurranceExpected_BAA12027BA337C914754616144E89C1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfFuneralHomesSold" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfFuneralHomesSold_A141535E76197C3F820A616144E8CEF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_91D2569D7A2E3E238F40616144E52806" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfFuneralHomesSold_A141535E76197C3F820A616144E8CEF8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsCemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_CCE7A3CBFD528E6D98F36E5D8F73CD70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_CCE7A3CBFD528E6D98F36E5D8F73CD70" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6CEB04F2CE88303EFDAF6E5D8F739D79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_CCE7A3CBFD528E6D98F36E5D8F73CD70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6CEB04F2CE88303EFDAF6E5D8F739D79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_8C319742B30362848CE26E5D8F73DB66_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6CEB04F2CE88303EFDAF6E5D8F739D79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_8C319742B30362848CE26E5D8F73DB66_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_8C319742B30362848CE26E5D8F73DB66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6CEB04F2CE88303EFDAF6E5D8F739D79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_8C319742B30362848CE26E5D8F73DB66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5DAD6AE124BCCD70D8D06E5D8F736BF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_8C319742B30362848CE26E5D8F73DB66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5DAD6AE124BCCD70D8D06E5D8F736BF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreferredStockSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreferredStockSecuritiesMember_3565C4CED71558EC933A6E5D8F733A80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_8C319742B30362848CE26E5D8F73DB66" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreferredStockSecuritiesMember_3565C4CED71558EC933A6E5D8F733A80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember_E54849098B2489543CA86E5D8F730937" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_8C319742B30362848CE26E5D8F73DB66" xlink:to="loc_csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember_E54849098B2489543CA86E5D8F730937" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_CDFC9508F5B4660792346E5D8F73B235" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_CCE7A3CBFD528E6D98F36E5D8F73CD70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_CDFC9508F5B4660792346E5D8F73B235" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3108C9B144CF8D725FD26E5D8F737BCB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_CDFC9508F5B4660792346E5D8F73B235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3108C9B144CF8D725FD26E5D8F737BCB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3108C9B144CF8D725FD26E5D8F737BCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_CDFC9508F5B4660792346E5D8F73B235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3108C9B144CF8D725FD26E5D8F737BCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_53AB0E2FB9F8B1FBFAE66E5D8F7366F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3108C9B144CF8D725FD26E5D8F737BCB" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_53AB0E2FB9F8B1FBFAE66E5D8F7366F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_89C380B44E55D0D68F436E5D8F741292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_89C380B44E55D0D68F436E5D8F741292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2_FC3EE03FBEF0391CCD716E5D8F745CA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2_FC3EE03FBEF0391CCD716E5D8F745CA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_B5C9B99BB3CBFCDD952F6E5D8F742347" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_B5C9B99BB3CBFCDD952F6E5D8F742347" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2_A8A7750B6F22B44E8E336E5D8F74CDFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2_A8A7750B6F22B44E8E336E5D8F74CDFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_87EAD2CC64599D4731EB6E5D8F7498CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_87EAD2CC64599D4731EB6E5D8F7498CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2_70D50A0DDF62529102C26E5D8F74582E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_304396CBB0029CCD84676E5D8F730F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2_70D50A0DDF62529102C26E5D8F74582E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithTrustInvestmentsHeldInPerpetualCareTrustFundsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_C26F4068F27D1811D62B7B1F7E978BBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_C26F4068F27D1811D62B7B1F7E978BBF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9C20A74279C39564BAAB7B1F7E98BE7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_C26F4068F27D1811D62B7B1F7E978BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9C20A74279C39564BAAB7B1F7E98BE7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7B4C81F25AB761E6C8897B1F7E985814_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9C20A74279C39564BAAB7B1F7E98BE7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7B4C81F25AB761E6C8897B1F7E985814_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7B4C81F25AB761E6C8897B1F7E985814" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9C20A74279C39564BAAB7B1F7E98BE7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7B4C81F25AB761E6C8897B1F7E985814" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_46B213F5339F7429B38F7B1F7E985F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7B4C81F25AB761E6C8897B1F7E985814" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_46B213F5339F7429B38F7B1F7E985F62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9B86A096363C6424AC4A7B1F7E98ACA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_C26F4068F27D1811D62B7B1F7E978BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9B86A096363C6424AC4A7B1F7E98ACA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9B86A096363C6424AC4A7B1F7E98ACA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9B86A096363C6424AC4A7B1F7E98ACA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_5BEABDD8C5E3A8DDFFA67B1F7E9AE59C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_5BEABDD8C5E3A8DDFFA67B1F7E9AE59C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_513E409EE3840A908B837B1F7E9AE308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_513E409EE3840A908B837B1F7E9AE308" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_D6A76367727B397292E07B1F7E9A06B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_D6A76367727B397292E07B1F7E9A06B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_25E4023046384C1FD4337B1F7E9A8B5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_25E4023046384C1FD4337B1F7E9A8B5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember_B08E141CCFD9D9E08ECB7B1F7E9B7BC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember_B08E141CCFD9D9E08ECB7B1F7E9B7BC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_B431CABB16DBF05487507B1F7E9C87B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_B431CABB16DBF05487507B1F7E9C87B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TrustSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_TrustSecuritiesMember_3E94721E1AB56F55C3527B1F7E9CE692" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_csv_TrustSecuritiesMember_3E94721E1AB56F55C3527B1F7E9CE692" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember_D6A16F4863C56EADE4187B1F7E9CBD52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_35C2899EF8AD588664FF7B1F7E983C37" xlink:to="loc_csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember_D6A16F4863C56EADE4187B1F7E9CBD52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_06A14C91189A77CE03277B1F7E9C197F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_06A14C91189A77CE03277B1F7E9C197F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_D6F0CD248730D18AF5F57B1F7E9DD8E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_D6F0CD248730D18AF5F57B1F7E9DD8E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1_A016BE446D2F0B74A71B7B1F7E9D3C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1_A016BE446D2F0B74A71B7B1F7E9D3C02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_0A7FC3D0D6CDAD582AB47B1F7E9D3F8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_0A7FC3D0D6CDAD582AB47B1F7E9D3F8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_D0794A14DB0FA24800BE7B1F7E9D561B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_D0794A14DB0FA24800BE7B1F7E9D561B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent_1E93B4D4A1EE9C295ED27B1F7E9EEB9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_43A2490C01996C1B75547B1F7E9C1F4B" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent_1E93B4D4A1EE9C295ED27B1F7E9EEB9B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPerpetualCareTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_BF9089E8BFAA7E4E136D125E1D1547F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1FDF13FB9B50563FFFBD125E1D146920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_BF9089E8BFAA7E4E136D125E1D1547F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1FDF13FB9B50563FFFBD125E1D146920" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5D8F1E8309F6346BE6B4125E1D140CAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_1FDF13FB9B50563FFFBD125E1D146920" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5D8F1E8309F6346BE6B4125E1D140CAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4DF4DAE3383BF7423B85125E1D14EB7B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5D8F1E8309F6346BE6B4125E1D140CAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4DF4DAE3383BF7423B85125E1D14EB7B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4DF4DAE3383BF7423B85125E1D14EB7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5D8F1E8309F6346BE6B4125E1D140CAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4DF4DAE3383BF7423B85125E1D14EB7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_3E8474E559EA5A0D7F39125E1D154866" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4DF4DAE3383BF7423B85125E1D14EB7B" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_3E8474E559EA5A0D7F39125E1D154866" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_021D5455D625C13D0659125E1D159B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_BF9089E8BFAA7E4E136D125E1D1547F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_021D5455D625C13D0659125E1D159B03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_E970441A585E5C7B17A9125E1D15C3DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_BF9089E8BFAA7E4E136D125E1D1547F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_E970441A585E5C7B17A9125E1D15C3DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_12A80A5204010755C761125E1D1503CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_BF9089E8BFAA7E4E136D125E1D1547F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_12A80A5204010755C761125E1D1503CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_CE2C31B4BDA6B2CAAFAC125E1D158312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_BF9089E8BFAA7E4E136D125E1D1547F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_CE2C31B4BDA6B2CAAFAC125E1D158312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost_4DEE28541680256F22AE125E1D15F7D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_BF9089E8BFAA7E4E136D125E1D1547F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost_4DEE28541680256F22AE125E1D15F7D3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsRecordedInInterestIncomeAndOtherNetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_15BFA338A17A94A279B896393CA92AF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9643880AE0CDA1A9989296393CA94007" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_15BFA338A17A94A279B896393CA92AF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9643880AE0CDA1A9989296393CA94007" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8D52FFCFB0CBA363119996393CA9F05D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9643880AE0CDA1A9989296393CA94007" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8D52FFCFB0CBA363119996393CA9F05D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_153BBB592CB64A309EAE96393CA9D628_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8D52FFCFB0CBA363119996393CA9F05D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_153BBB592CB64A309EAE96393CA9D628_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_153BBB592CB64A309EAE96393CA9D628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8D52FFCFB0CBA363119996393CA9F05D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_153BBB592CB64A309EAE96393CA9D628" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_53F18F8F5F215709D5A496393CA9BCA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_153BBB592CB64A309EAE96393CA9D628" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_53F18F8F5F215709D5A496393CA9BCA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_901E6AF349F48FE77E5296393CA9FEE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9643880AE0CDA1A9989296393CA94007" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_901E6AF349F48FE77E5296393CA9FEE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0C965A8D3E3F3C34D6C796393CA9C480_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_901E6AF349F48FE77E5296393CA9FEE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0C965A8D3E3F3C34D6C796393CA9C480_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0C965A8D3E3F3C34D6C796393CA9C480" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_901E6AF349F48FE77E5296393CA9FEE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0C965A8D3E3F3C34D6C796393CA9C480" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInterestIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInterestIncomeMember_73E9F0CD590D8FD0212096393CA997F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0C965A8D3E3F3C34D6C796393CA9C480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInterestIncomeMember_73E9F0CD590D8FD0212096393CA997F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_45ABF45F7245A2CBD67C96393CA99705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_15BFA338A17A94A279B896393CA92AF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_45ABF45F7245A2CBD67C96393CA99705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLossesExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLossesExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_5B6B1EFEE8D517A5705996393CA95E75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_15BFA338A17A94A279B896393CA92AF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLossesExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_5B6B1EFEE8D517A5705996393CA95E75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted_E7816E38822946B7643896393CAAE0AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_15BFA338A17A94A279B896393CA92AF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted_E7816E38822946B7643896393CAAE0AA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPerpetualCareTrustsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CD11B8517F77645DA02826170D2A7C1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66DFD3FDD0B7F87D4E0A26170D2A1D7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CD11B8517F77645DA02826170D2A7C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66DFD3FDD0B7F87D4E0A26170D2A1D7E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66197A603F95FF949CB526170D2AD77F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66DFD3FDD0B7F87D4E0A26170D2A1D7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66197A603F95FF949CB526170D2AD77F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EE59ACCC47CDE92CBE726170D2A03DC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66197A603F95FF949CB526170D2AD77F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EE59ACCC47CDE92CBE726170D2A03DC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EE59ACCC47CDE92CBE726170D2A03DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66197A603F95FF949CB526170D2AD77F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EE59ACCC47CDE92CBE726170D2A03DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_75D4D89FBEBDA8B506DC26170D2AA570" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EE59ACCC47CDE92CBE726170D2A03DC" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_75D4D89FBEBDA8B506DC26170D2AA570" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_4579A1B5E37CDBB81B8F26170D2AE4B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CD11B8517F77645DA02826170D2A7C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_4579A1B5E37CDBB81B8F26170D2AE4B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_B5AEE384C9ACDF8D909A26170D2A4B84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CD11B8517F77645DA02826170D2A7C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_B5AEE384C9ACDF8D909A26170D2A4B84" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9AF62331A0D257CAE0216968B3CF2D72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9AF62331A0D257CAE0216968B3CF2D72" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3116C8EF945251A64EF36967CE9E6E2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9AF62331A0D257CAE0216968B3CF2D72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3116C8EF945251A64EF36967CE9E6E2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F573023EE1FFAD3BCCF46967CE9FBEF7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3116C8EF945251A64EF36967CE9E6E2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F573023EE1FFAD3BCCF46967CE9FBEF7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F573023EE1FFAD3BCCF46967CE9FBEF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3116C8EF945251A64EF36967CE9E6E2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F573023EE1FFAD3BCCF46967CE9FBEF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_E1C29DA591755BC8B821696815BC7C8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F573023EE1FFAD3BCCF46967CE9FBEF7" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_E1C29DA591755BC8B821696815BC7C8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ComponentsOfCareTrustsCorpusTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_ComponentsOfCareTrustsCorpusTableTextBlock_3031002777790A5390DF69629799783C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_csv_ComponentsOfCareTrustsCorpusTableTextBlock_3031002777790A5390DF69629799783C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ScheduleOfPerpetualCareTrustAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_ScheduleOfPerpetualCareTrustAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_369D38EF81DD831F9A5169629799D4EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_csv_ScheduleOfPerpetualCareTrustAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_369D38EF81DD831F9A5169629799D4EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_DF69B7514D403360C6476962979954B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_DF69B7514D403360C6476962979954B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_0577BC174FDB0A9BE86C6962979A5BFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_0577BC174FDB0A9BE86C6962979A5BFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsRecordedInInterestIncomeAndOtherNetTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsRecordedInInterestIncomeAndOtherNetTableTextBlock_4A876F5C85DADD97B2286962979AE445" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsRecordedInInterestIncomeAndOtherNetTableTextBlock_4A876F5C85DADD97B2286962979AE445" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RealizedGainLossOnPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_RealizedGainLossOnPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTableTextBlock_7B0E3EEA1439E2F8A5C86962979AF6E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_csv_RealizedGainLossOnPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTableTextBlock_7B0E3EEA1439E2F8A5C86962979AF6E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPerpetualCareTrustsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPerpetualCareTrustsTableTextBlock_D4D2389EDE7262CC67406962979A2F56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_C7E7F4EF9991DCF3B9216968FE0723D4" xlink:to="loc_csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPerpetualCareTrustsTableTextBlock_D4D2389EDE7262CC67406962979A2F56" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestmentsTheComponentsOfCareTrustsCorpusDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_7E2F7E59BDFB5F30FA947B1F7F12DE07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9A9E46AE082329596FF17B1F7F11750D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_7E2F7E59BDFB5F30FA947B1F7F12DE07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9A9E46AE082329596FF17B1F7F11750D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2C685169CA612A7374037B1F7F12962B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9A9E46AE082329596FF17B1F7F11750D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2C685169CA612A7374037B1F7F12962B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_729E59A7F5058CC77EC87B1F7F123316_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2C685169CA612A7374037B1F7F12962B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_729E59A7F5058CC77EC87B1F7F123316_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_729E59A7F5058CC77EC87B1F7F123316" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2C685169CA612A7374037B1F7F12962B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_729E59A7F5058CC77EC87B1F7F123316" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_91978C79B285C58DE2687B1F7F126464" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_729E59A7F5058CC77EC87B1F7F123316" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustInvesmentsMember_91978C79B285C58DE2687B1F7F126464" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_413A5D2915FA09FC3F277B1F7F12135F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_7E2F7E59BDFB5F30FA947B1F7F12DE07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_413A5D2915FA09FC3F277B1F7F12135F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ObligationsDueFromToTrust" xlink:label="loc_csv_ObligationsDueFromToTrust_898E4B0F7F2A35AFE1CA7B1F7F130EA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_7E2F7E59BDFB5F30FA947B1F7F12DE07" xlink:to="loc_csv_ObligationsDueFromToTrust_898E4B0F7F2A35AFE1CA7B1F7F130EA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CareTrustsCorpus" xlink:label="loc_csv_CareTrustsCorpus_2B3BF8E7A90E50B6AFFE7B1F7F138BDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_7E2F7E59BDFB5F30FA947B1F7F12DE07" xlink:to="loc_csv_CareTrustsCorpus_2B3BF8E7A90E50B6AFFE7B1F7F138BDE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_6878B976C5E43434804B7B1F7D4F67B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_6878B976C5E43434804B7B1F7D4F67B3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CB9CAE2FC81F89A5D3C37B1F7D4FA59C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_6878B976C5E43434804B7B1F7D4F67B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CB9CAE2FC81F89A5D3C37B1F7D4FA59C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_241D29DDEA7007FBB5117B1F7D4F7D15_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CB9CAE2FC81F89A5D3C37B1F7D4FA59C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_241D29DDEA7007FBB5117B1F7D4F7D15_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_241D29DDEA7007FBB5117B1F7D4F7D15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CB9CAE2FC81F89A5D3C37B1F7D4FA59C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_241D29DDEA7007FBB5117B1F7D4F7D15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_4B8029B2824F249BD09D7B1F7D4F7F8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_241D29DDEA7007FBB5117B1F7D4F7D15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_4B8029B2824F249BD09D7B1F7D4F7F8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1748BA3F074BD43E58A7B1F7D503DF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_6878B976C5E43434804B7B1F7D4F67B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1748BA3F074BD43E58A7B1F7D503DF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AA94B9645EC127BDC7D7B1F7D5092E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1748BA3F074BD43E58A7B1F7D503DF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AA94B9645EC127BDC7D7B1F7D5092E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AA94B9645EC127BDC7D7B1F7D5092E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1748BA3F074BD43E58A7B1F7D503DF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AA94B9645EC127BDC7D7B1F7D5092E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_000F7B099BCC3EA5228F7B1F7D5038F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AA94B9645EC127BDC7D7B1F7D5092E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_000F7B099BCC3EA5228F7B1F7D5038F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_27E8B70CEB8329379D137B1F7D518201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AA94B9645EC127BDC7D7B1F7D5092E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_27E8B70CEB8329379D137B1F7D518201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_A8DA9493C349D03D9C367B1F7D5205E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_A8DA9493C349D03D9C367B1F7D5205E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_36BE6389F059FB59E02C7B1F7D529D54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_36BE6389F059FB59E02C7B1F7D529D54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_5ED1FC3216664B0C7F847B1F7D523296" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_5ED1FC3216664B0C7F847B1F7D523296" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_0EDF9881F26F0E900BA37B1F7D523D50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_0EDF9881F26F0E900BA37B1F7D523D50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_1BC764359F5614CB04567B1F7D539AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_1BC764359F5614CB04567B1F7D539AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_6B666FD30386260914B47B1F7D5387A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_6B666FD30386260914B47B1F7D5387A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_DE0BF383459F9CC5DC187B1F7D531C5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_0974D0D82DC2C9177DE27B1F7D522F52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_DE0BF383459F9CC5DC187B1F7D531C5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_91B3BA6031154D4F2EFF7B1F7D53A3F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_91B3BA6031154D4F2EFF7B1F7D53A3F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_5E7FD14AECF024C782C77B1F7D549443" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_5E7FD14AECF024C782C77B1F7D549443" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_DE7354BE8F38830125E77B1F7D546B6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_DE7354BE8F38830125E77B1F7D546B6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_1820286B4890F46AB1B17B1F7D54FE4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_1820286B4890F46AB1B17B1F7D54FE4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_01F73E3B37AD17CAB3507B1F7D540698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_01F73E3B37AD17CAB3507B1F7D540698" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_FDDB2523A6235AB1048F7B1F7D54EDAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_FDDB2523A6235AB1048F7B1F7D54EDAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_390F9C250BC65A2B46CF7B1F7D55A2E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_C62315D44D473667C3537B1F7D53DD81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_390F9C250BC65A2B46CF7B1F7D55A2E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments_E7BC5136F4E4AEE24DA07B1F7D562199" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments_E7BC5136F4E4AEE24DA07B1F7D562199" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_EFC4BA9A11BB13729A4B7B1F7D568C05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_EFC4BA9A11BB13729A4B7B1F7D568C05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_4FCDF4517C9E997022097B1F7D56E6FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_4FCDF4517C9E997022097B1F7D56E6FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_00F492B89C68E52BBAA17B1F7D561153" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_92BC932F31EE98BBE3EF7B1F7D518B53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_00F492B89C68E52BBAA17B1F7D561153" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_19C6B7EC957AD63CD1AC640FAB0E788C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_19C6B7EC957AD63CD1AC640FAB0E788C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_1FA57EEF6BBC9128F2DC640FAB0E2812" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_19C6B7EC957AD63CD1AC640FAB0E788C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_1FA57EEF6BBC9128F2DC640FAB0E2812" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_27646D071F706D651012640FAB0E1D95_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_1FA57EEF6BBC9128F2DC640FAB0E2812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_27646D071F706D651012640FAB0E1D95_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_27646D071F706D651012640FAB0E1D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis_1FA57EEF6BBC9128F2DC640FAB0E2812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_27646D071F706D651012640FAB0E1D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember_0D5550044A5E6CA5E292640FAB0F6831" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_27646D071F706D651012640FAB0E1D95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember_0D5550044A5E6CA5E292640FAB0F6831" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E67334421E5C6C43C15A640FAB0F84CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_19C6B7EC957AD63CD1AC640FAB0E788C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E67334421E5C6C43C15A640FAB0F84CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_1E0696DAC9B94D5FA937640FAB0FF325_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E67334421E5C6C43C15A640FAB0F84CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_1E0696DAC9B94D5FA937640FAB0FF325_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_1E0696DAC9B94D5FA937640FAB0FF325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E67334421E5C6C43C15A640FAB0F84CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_1E0696DAC9B94D5FA937640FAB0FF325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C9D3A739004AFD41A6FA640FAB0F5321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_1E0696DAC9B94D5FA937640FAB0FF325" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C9D3A739004AFD41A6FA640FAB0F5321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_392298A0802E6917B315640FAB0FE72B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_1E0696DAC9B94D5FA937640FAB0FF325" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_392298A0802E6917B315640FAB0FE72B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AgreementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_csv_AgreementTypeAxis_B30461614D6AC2C4E33E640FAB0F38FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_19C6B7EC957AD63CD1AC640FAB0E788C" xlink:to="loc_csv_AgreementTypeAxis_B30461614D6AC2C4E33E640FAB0F38FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AgreementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_AgreementTypeDomain_648884FF3604BF6B04B2640FAB0F25F5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_csv_AgreementTypeAxis_B30461614D6AC2C4E33E640FAB0F38FB" xlink:to="loc_csv_AgreementTypeDomain_648884FF3604BF6B04B2640FAB0F25F5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AgreementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_AgreementTypeDomain_648884FF3604BF6B04B2640FAB0F25F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_csv_AgreementTypeAxis_B30461614D6AC2C4E33E640FAB0F38FB" xlink:to="loc_csv_AgreementTypeDomain_648884FF3604BF6B04B2640FAB0F25F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_0FC4C1D7C24B688A0C5C640FAB0F9344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_AgreementTypeDomain_648884FF3604BF6B04B2640FAB0F25F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_0FC4C1D7C24B688A0C5C640FAB0F9344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConsultingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConsultingAgreementMember_7236BBC55C513DF08F12640FAB0F7533" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_AgreementTypeDomain_648884FF3604BF6B04B2640FAB0F25F5" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConsultingAgreementMember_7236BBC55C513DF08F12640FAB0F7533" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_EmploymentAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_EmploymentAgreementMember_D3C2579C4AF24C139A6E640FAB0FFE64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_AgreementTypeDomain_648884FF3604BF6B04B2640FAB0F25F5" xlink:to="loc_csv_EmploymentAgreementMember_D3C2579C4AF24C139A6E640FAB0FFE64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_5174E87C484DC46B90CB640FAB0FA6CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_19C6B7EC957AD63CD1AC640FAB0E788C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_5174E87C484DC46B90CB640FAB0FA6CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_4D8EDF75042DC9BBDA1B640FAB0F2B99_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_5174E87C484DC46B90CB640FAB0FA6CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_4D8EDF75042DC9BBDA1B640FAB0F2B99_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_4D8EDF75042DC9BBDA1B640FAB0F2B99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_5174E87C484DC46B90CB640FAB0FA6CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_4D8EDF75042DC9BBDA1B640FAB0F2B99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LeathermanVersusGrandviewMemorialGardensIncMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_LeathermanVersusGrandviewMemorialGardensIncMember_E527AC280681BC19B296640FAB0F50DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_4D8EDF75042DC9BBDA1B640FAB0F2B99" xlink:to="loc_csv_LeathermanVersusGrandviewMemorialGardensIncMember_E527AC280681BC19B296640FAB0F50DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_5E0931ADCD9CFDABA876640FAB105D3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_5E0931ADCD9CFDABA876640FAB105D3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_D94C19E8851270D79D0D640FAB104A91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_D94C19E8851270D79D0D640FAB104A91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_OtherCommitmentTermOfContract" xlink:label="loc_csv_OtherCommitmentTermOfContract_2F79D2830FA9A06165FC640FAB10920F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_csv_OtherCommitmentTermOfContract_2F79D2830FA9A06165FC640FAB10920F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInNextTwelveMonths_AF9DB3491411E98AD499640FAB10C07E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInNextTwelveMonths_AF9DB3491411E98AD499640FAB10C07E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInSecondYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInSecondYear_563557D2E75250BF1863640FAB101011" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInSecondYear_563557D2E75250BF1863640FAB101011" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInThirdYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInThirdYear_B46F5BD128DCAB0F8B94640FAB10B737" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInThirdYear_B46F5BD128DCAB0F8B94640FAB10B737" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInFourthYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInFourthYear_9247F863E7813606C0BD640FAB1000F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInFourthYear_9247F863E7813606C0BD640FAB1000F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInFifthYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInFifthYear_69DB3E8D735262385967640FAB102F78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueInFifthYear_69DB3E8D735262385967640FAB102F78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueAfterFifthYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueAfterFifthYear_355CC06393A9CCBAA720640FAB106C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentDueAfterFifthYear_355CC06393A9CCBAA720640FAB106C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_34F7A84E39807D4FB02E640FAB10181F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_34F7A84E39807D4FB02E640FAB10181F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryBusinessAndAccountingServicesExpense" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryBusinessAndAccountingServicesExpense_9BFF8A6BDE1B4150E02E640FAB10E15E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryBusinessAndAccountingServicesExpense_9BFF8A6BDE1B4150E02E640FAB10E15E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs_0A71F20094C8602D4E8E640FAB106798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs_0A71F20094C8602D4E8E640FAB106798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants_E4F04C957C64C43C8966640FAB106050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants_E4F04C957C64C43C8966640FAB106050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LossContingencyNumberOfDaysToRetainNewCounsel" xlink:label="loc_csv_LossContingencyNumberOfDaysToRetainNewCounsel_6EC810F57DCD9684B612640FAB101BAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_csv_LossContingencyNumberOfDaysToRetainNewCounsel_6EC810F57DCD9684B612640FAB101BAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LossContingencyNumberOfDaysToReviewCase" xlink:label="loc_csv_LossContingencyNumberOfDaysToReviewCase_0FEAD2BBE8731A809EDF640FAB1024FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_FD03B35A731E11B51EE7640FAB10348A" xlink:to="loc_csv_LossContingencyNumberOfDaysToReviewCase_0FEAD2BBE8731A809EDF640FAB1024FE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_804B4A61EEAA407E49216F8DF55499FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A0B95B1D7EA33260A6A86F8DF5540EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_804B4A61EEAA407E49216F8DF55499FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A0B95B1D7EA33260A6A86F8DF5540EBC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0706D5E21D2A6FA2F25D6F8DF5541346" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A0B95B1D7EA33260A6A86F8DF5540EBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0706D5E21D2A6FA2F25D6F8DF5541346" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4C7D354E904541EAB8066F8DF554E98A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0706D5E21D2A6FA2F25D6F8DF5541346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4C7D354E904541EAB8066F8DF554E98A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4C7D354E904541EAB8066F8DF554E98A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0706D5E21D2A6FA2F25D6F8DF5541346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4C7D354E904541EAB8066F8DF554E98A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_804B4A61EEAA407E49216F8DF55499FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_773D8BC30C2A8AC7757E6F8DF5556134" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_773D8BC30C2A8AC7757E6F8DF5556134" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_EC1BFEE939C84494A9D76F8DF555ACF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_EC1BFEE939C84494A9D76F8DF555ACF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleCurrent_3F865DAF5CD0604D77A56F8DF555EBAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleCurrent_3F865DAF5CD0604D77A56F8DF555EBAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_6F8AD23789E5F4967F4A6F8DF555DA35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_6F8AD23789E5F4967F4A6F8DF555DA35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_F062596D584B6894A0176F8DF555F10C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_F062596D584B6894A0176F8DF555F10C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_60C4F6A2C54DF063329E6F8DF5558D58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_60C4F6A2C54DF063329E6F8DF5558D58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7EF3455EE13DB46F795C6F8DF555D2BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_3FE6D026E1B75CA2C2E56F8DF555761C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7EF3455EE13DB46F795C6F8DF555D2BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestments" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestments_E936FB1BD4E2EF52AB036F8DF5552EC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestments_E936FB1BD4E2EF52AB036F8DF5552EC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestments" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestments_226E96333603B7189AB96F8DF5556B04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestments_226E96333603B7189AB96F8DF5556B04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForBadDebts" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForBadDebts_F952368DE1C1BFBAE8C36F8DF55543D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForBadDebts_F952368DE1C1BFBAE8C36F8DF55543D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ReceivablesFromPreneedFuneralTrusts" xlink:label="loc_csv_ReceivablesFromPreneedFuneralTrusts_BFC0449BCBBD0EFEADEE6F8DF555637F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_ReceivablesFromPreneedFuneralTrusts_BFC0449BCBBD0EFEADEE6F8DF555637F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_ED813D446BA1A0EADED66F8DF555ECA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_ED813D446BA1A0EADED66F8DF555ECA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryPropertyNet_2D288B2CE74A3F324FC66F8DF5553D12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryPropertyNet_2D288B2CE74A3F324FC66F8DF5553D12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0635FB9F80828BC568456F8DF555CDCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0635FB9F80828BC568456F8DF555CDCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets_D833367DF37B230771CC6F8DF55608DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets_D833367DF37B230771CC6F8DF55608DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestments" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestments_BA51259848646BE153336F8DF55636A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestments_BA51259848646BE153336F8DF55636A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_EBCF2B9212C5D7FDFFB66F8DF556F947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5362976A7191B6ED642F6F8DF5547F79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_EBCF2B9212C5D7FDFFB66F8DF556F947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_804B4A61EEAA407E49216F8DF55499FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F4F2363341A2E167DB5F6F8DF556D7D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F4F2363341A2E167DB5F6F8DF556D7D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_CAE8E99F0E208BFEACF46F8DF556242D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F4F2363341A2E167DB5F6F8DF556D7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_CAE8E99F0E208BFEACF46F8DF556242D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_3675E589C9A38E26D38B6F8DF556F335" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F4F2363341A2E167DB5F6F8DF556D7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_3675E589C9A38E26D38B6F8DF556F335" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_7EA59D87E9211B78203E6F8DF556F8DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F4F2363341A2E167DB5F6F8DF556D7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_7EA59D87E9211B78203E6F8DF556F8DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfAssetsHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfAssetsHeldForSale_2461CAD970297A6213A66F8DF556BE6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F4F2363341A2E167DB5F6F8DF556D7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfAssetsHeldForSale_2461CAD970297A6213A66F8DF556BE6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3801253C14328C04A5EB6F8DF556CCD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F4F2363341A2E167DB5F6F8DF556D7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_3801253C14328C04A5EB6F8DF556CCD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_4CC82C97CE7A8C1162676F8DF55697BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorLongTermNotes_4CC82C97CE7A8C1162676F8DF55697BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_4131C2F708A4F6F854B56F8DF5565FAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_4131C2F708A4F6F854B56F8DF5565FAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate_92EB7887E9455077A4216F8DF556AB96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate_92EB7887E9455077A4216F8DF556AB96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_C1CB7CF94C25993089EF6F8DF55653C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_C1CB7CF94C25993089EF6F8DF55653C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DeferredPreneedCemeteryRevenue" xlink:label="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedCemeteryRevenue_1694AEA024ADBBC9FE096F8DF5561AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedCemeteryRevenue_1694AEA024ADBBC9FE096F8DF5561AC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DeferredPreneedFuneralRevenue" xlink:label="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedFuneralRevenue_2C94110013B46387C0446F8DF556247C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedFuneralRevenue_2C94110013B46387C0446F8DF556247C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DeferredPreneedCemeteryReceiptsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedCemeteryReceiptsHeldInTrust_25929B698F37083E31F66F8DF5574424" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedCemeteryReceiptsHeldInTrust_25929B698F37083E31F66F8DF5574424" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DeferredPreneedFuneralReceiptsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedFuneralReceiptsHeldInTrust_B0FFC07CA845559C7A676F8DF557610E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_csv_DeferredPreneedFuneralReceiptsHeldInTrust_B0FFC07CA845559C7A676F8DF557610E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CareTrustsCorpus" xlink:label="loc_csv_CareTrustsCorpus_BD43A47F0BAC48462E756F8DF557BF91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_csv_CareTrustsCorpus_BD43A47F0BAC48462E756F8DF557BF91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_F1C69D53AC9ECEB2EBDF6F8DF557F2C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_F1C69D53AC9ECEB2EBDF6F8DF557F2C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_FDAC31DDCA390C34291F6F8DF557E575" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_FDAC31DDCA390C34291F6F8DF557E575" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_7C71D517E724DCE9260B6F8DF557484B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_7C71D517E724DCE9260B6F8DF557484B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_304578DF966D7817996A6F8DF5579ABA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_304578DF966D7817996A6F8DF5579ABA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_A8F3FD68E372237391866F8DF5577490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_304578DF966D7817996A6F8DF5579ABA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_A8F3FD68E372237391866F8DF5577490" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_7903128C00B8091F5C386F8DF557FB73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_304578DF966D7817996A6F8DF5579ABA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_7903128C00B8091F5C386F8DF557FB73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_F13FCE0E3728B3E07BA56F8DF557AA22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_304578DF966D7817996A6F8DF5579ABA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_F13FCE0E3728B3E07BA56F8DF557AA22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_1D75AD1E2A4EC7CD8C246F8DF557A00C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_304578DF966D7817996A6F8DF5579ABA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_1D75AD1E2A4EC7CD8C246F8DF557A00C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6753A58813A092044C846F8DF5577D55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_304578DF966D7817996A6F8DF5579ABA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6753A58813A092044C846F8DF5577D55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_66C10815C257B3D1EB306F8DF55743FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C51AA275232650F52EA56F8DF556C2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_66C10815C257B3D1EB306F8DF55743FA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DEC5CDA6FDBE67C0EA116901F80822F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DEC5CDA6FDBE67C0EA116901F80822F8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3E178EE4BA5E3D70C56F6901F808306B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_DEC5CDA6FDBE67C0EA116901F80822F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3E178EE4BA5E3D70C56F6901F808306B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4196429B445565424C576901F80936D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3E178EE4BA5E3D70C56F6901F808306B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4196429B445565424C576901F80936D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4196429B445565424C576901F80936D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3E178EE4BA5E3D70C56F6901F808306B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4196429B445565424C576901F80936D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_81CF25605F4C76560C146901F8095902" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_81CF25605F4C76560C146901F8095902" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_A98138F0C4171DE06BD96901F809008D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_81CF25605F4C76560C146901F8095902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_A98138F0C4171DE06BD96901F809008D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_81CF25605F4C76560C146901F8095902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_D913764767373A2D41276901F80F94D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax_D913764767373A2D41276901F80F94D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_374F4BE5C6F7761488586901F80F90DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_374F4BE5C6F7761488586901F80F90DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_1C09F133631D25F702CF6901F80FDB97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_1C09F133631D25F702CF6901F80FDB97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_GainOnRepurchaseOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentures" xlink:label="loc_csv_GainOnRepurchaseOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentures_41EE68BA9B61372699926901F80F9A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_csv_GainOnRepurchaseOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentures_41EE68BA9B61372699926901F80F9A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_1D10B8D98FF96FAA9F106901F80FEC60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_1D10B8D98FF96FAA9F106901F80FEC60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_4D6D14886D51A41DC94C6901F80F194F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_4D6D14886D51A41DC94C6901F80F194F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_55F65876A0F49A007A016901F810F777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_55F65876A0F49A007A016901F810F777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_AA1D06108AE141C21EB56901F8105062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_AA1D06108AE141C21EB56901F8105062" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_F9B6B628244D2870119C6901F810756E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_F9B6B628244D2870119C6901F810756E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B6EDF861AA36971A71CE6901F80FE954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables_5BCC30B0B1F1318A0C8E6901F8103889" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables_5BCC30B0B1F1318A0C8E6901F8103889" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_D9F262EBCCF499EBF1B46905115AAA5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_D9F262EBCCF499EBF1B46905115AAA5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense_5486AAA4884F6AA30FD06905DD713E9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense_5486AAA4884F6AA30FD06905DD713E9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_51EFA6999A20EE15BD08690679686816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_51EFA6999A20EE15BD08690679686816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_EBCADBBBE42237E3DC396901F810718B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_EBCADBBBE42237E3DC396901F810718B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_IncreaseDecreaseInPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryTrustInvestments" xlink:label="loc_csv_IncreaseDecreaseInPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryTrustInvestments_B7E328796A6C8DA9D1DC6901F8104B65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_csv_IncreaseDecreaseInPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryTrustInvestments_B7E328796A6C8DA9D1DC6901F8104B65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_6195A47B1F059746EA9E6901F8105F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_6195A47B1F059746EA9E6901F8105F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryRevenue" xlink:label="loc_csv_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryRevenue_E1EBA07AA03976904BDA6901F810D9B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_csv_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryRevenue_E1EBA07AA03976904BDA6901F810D9B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryReceiptsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_csv_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryReceiptsHeldInTrust_5BB61A822C7C7495446B6901F8106F71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_47C52807CFB2E26EBFF86901F8109B86" xlink:to="loc_csv_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredPreneedFuneralAndCemeteryReceiptsHeldInTrust_5BB61A822C7C7495446B6901F8106F71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_9BFDD4810AA3F372AA0A6901F810CD01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_81CF25605F4C76560C146901F8095902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_9BFDD4810AA3F372AA0A6901F810CD01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations_B409AB05B262DABBC3026901F810031E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_81CF25605F4C76560C146901F8095902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations_B409AB05B262DABBC3026901F810031E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_408F692BA82AEE7294616901F81010DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_81CF25605F4C76560C146901F8095902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_408F692BA82AEE7294616901F81010DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2A5650281ECA54B67AA96901F8104FF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2A5650281ECA54B67AA96901F8104FF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_609AAB3DBAE05AC0DBD66901F811E69A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2A5650281ECA54B67AA96901F8104FF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_609AAB3DBAE05AC0DBD66901F811E69A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_2D591775B459FBD787B86901F8113F48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2A5650281ECA54B67AA96901F8104FF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_2D591775B459FBD787B86901F8113F48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_9E33D146F392D43C905B6901F8116D92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2A5650281ECA54B67AA96901F8104FF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_9E33D146F392D43C905B6901F8116D92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_F4A2401384B33C11DAC36901F81194D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_F4A2401384B33C11DAC36901F81194D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations_0BF9BDF91DD539D9DD486901F811A863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations_0BF9BDF91DD539D9DD486901F811A863" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_5C53D55B7CE6A9FAF14F6901F811AC39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_5C53D55B7CE6A9FAF14F6901F811AC39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_7E9D5FBBC2C2057E7C7A6901F8114BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_7E9D5FBBC2C2057E7C7A6901F8114BC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_08C92552634607C0EBD86901F8112426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities_08C92552634607C0EBD86901F8112426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_902CF059A1871610D48B6901F8119DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_902CF059A1871610D48B6901F8119DC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_B16684C67B999B36AA9F6901F8116942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_B16684C67B999B36AA9F6901F8116942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_2BBC3E68BC4817D63CF86901F8110F9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_2BBC3E68BC4817D63CF86901F8110F9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsAndExcessTaxBenefitFromSharebasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsAndExcessTaxBenefitFromSharebasedCompensation_0CBFD8567871888C0D8B6901F811D09E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsAndExcessTaxBenefitFromSharebasedCompensation_0CBFD8567871888C0D8B6901F811D09E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RepurchaseOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentures" xlink:label="loc_csv_RepurchaseOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentures_59644629FC9E3CC749EF6901F811F5A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_csv_RepurchaseOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentures_59644629FC9E3CC749EF6901F811F5A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfLoanCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfLoanCosts_37BF180275AC3919C2956901F811B74A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfLoanCosts_37BF180275AC3919C2956901F811B74A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PaymentOfCallPremiumAssociatedWithSeniorNoteRedemption" xlink:label="loc_csv_PaymentOfCallPremiumAssociatedWithSeniorNoteRedemption_208D65AB5CE86A3E212A6901F811B4BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PaymentOfCallPremiumAssociatedWithSeniorNoteRedemption_208D65AB5CE86A3E212A6901F811B4BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_3E7521FD3656356CC98E6901F812ADD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_3E7521FD3656356CC98E6901F812ADD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_C4978E8FCA4DE57BE7B36901F8128097" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_C4978E8FCA4DE57BE7B36901F8128097" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_578B93C88189F453E6026901F812C0D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_A1646D386B4D9E0D1F026901F811618C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_578B93C88189F453E6026901F812C0D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_799583DA8304AA61D2516901F8123698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_799583DA8304AA61D2516901F8123698" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_43E2C8E4ED9577C6CE1C6901F812A958" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ED8D2804CDE23EC393A76901F809B82E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_43E2C8E4ED9577C6CE1C6901F812A958" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3FC7FE1F2319D0050DEA035B73D4CDCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FB843B65CD7905F92BB4035B73D331D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3FC7FE1F2319D0050DEA035B73D4CDCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FB843B65CD7905F92BB4035B73D331D5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_30261307A87719B9E17B035B73D3D1B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FB843B65CD7905F92BB4035B73D331D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_30261307A87719B9E17B035B73D3D1B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_30261307A87719B9E17B035B73D3D1B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_30261307A87719B9E17B035B73D3D1B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_E5E64442DD52819BF4E1035B73D4ADD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_E5E64442DD52819BF4E1035B73D4ADD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_63219FDBC22485459F8A035B73D4FA2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_63219FDBC22485459F8A035B73D4FA2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_039BC92E2F95C8A15C05035B73D474E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_039BC92E2F95C8A15C05035B73D474E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_5DE5C98D6FC7FD990D72035B73D4048B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_DAFF7006CA5E121DECEA035B73D37858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_5DE5C98D6FC7FD990D72035B73D4048B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3FC7FE1F2319D0050DEA035B73D4CDCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_3F36A74DB0E00EA86130035B73D5F5E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_3F36A74DB0E00EA86130035B73D5F5E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_227798DF05A8DD7A5F27035B73D582F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_227798DF05A8DD7A5F27035B73D582F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_121FF77CC25A0DBE1E8B035B73D5E152" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_121FF77CC25A0DBE1E8B035B73D5E152" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_271032D35C5D4A029B5C035B73D5CBAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_271032D35C5D4A029B5C035B73D5CBAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_534A605AF3BE49DB9F94035B73D5198C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_534A605AF3BE49DB9F94035B73D5198C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AFCFF3CD91AB9BBEB574035B73D5419E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_AFCFF3CD91AB9BBEB574035B73D5419E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_B7CD31778490ADA3DEC0035B73D5C52B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_B7CD31778490ADA3DEC0035B73D5C52B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_736D99BD905D8BA393EE035B73D6C416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_736D99BD905D8BA393EE035B73D6C416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_FBBFF06D9E3DEE14894F035B73D6064E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_FBBFF06D9E3DEE14894F035B73D6064E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_8EF0852546985DBB75D8035B73D690C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_8EF0852546985DBB75D8035B73D690C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_0B78DDBFB8C4482C67B3035B73D63F25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_0B78DDBFB8C4482C67B3035B73D63F25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAdjustment_D839C6A51D3539A67479035B73D6503D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchaseProgramAdjustment_D839C6A51D3539A67479035B73D6503D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AmortizationOfRestrictedCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_csv_AmortizationOfRestrictedCommonStock_FB182156329841B07F55035B73D614D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_csv_AmortizationOfRestrictedCommonStock_FB182156329841B07F55035B73D614D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_8DB42A2C48DF5496DFD5035B73D6EDE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_8DB42A2C48DF5496DFD5035B73D6EDE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AcquisitionOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesConvertedIntoTreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_csv_AcquisitionOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesConvertedIntoTreasuryStockShares_45787F32FBEE0366E069035B73D69C3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_csv_AcquisitionOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesConvertedIntoTreasuryStockShares_45787F32FBEE0366E069035B73D69C3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AcquisitionOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesConvertedIntoTreasuryStock" xlink:label="loc_csv_AcquisitionOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesConvertedIntoTreasuryStock_5EBE96042DF8E0108828035B73D6C4FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_csv_AcquisitionOfConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesConvertedIntoTreasuryStock_5EBE96042DF8E0108828035B73D6C4FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_C1500172B23155FFC831035B73D7F2F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_C1500172B23155FFC831035B73D7F2F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredParValueMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredParValueMethod_BA0D97CE4E11CED06622035B73D7A0C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredParValueMethod_BA0D97CE4E11CED06622035B73D7A0C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_EA4FE02B2B14FA640EE5035B73D7DA84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0257A36F5A02E301D26C035B73D4DD47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_EA4FE02B2B14FA640EE5035B73D7DA84" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_ADF1B1E62C4CE87C122B1CB2E41A4804" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_ADF1B1E62C4CE87C122B1CB2E41A4804" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02759C2472A6BA7880FC1CB2E41A0DBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_ADF1B1E62C4CE87C122B1CB2E41A4804" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02759C2472A6BA7880FC1CB2E41A0DBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_81687D94687E67A583731CB2E41A2174_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02759C2472A6BA7880FC1CB2E41A0DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_81687D94687E67A583731CB2E41A2174_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_81687D94687E67A583731CB2E41A2174" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02759C2472A6BA7880FC1CB2E41A0DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_81687D94687E67A583731CB2E41A2174" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralMember_981DA64FABA8AF6306C51CB2E41A3E18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_81687D94687E67A583731CB2E41A2174" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralMember_981DA64FABA8AF6306C51CB2E41A3E18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_5DFB26340424AB24AF731CB2E41A3592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_81687D94687E67A583731CB2E41A2174" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_5DFB26340424AB24AF731CB2E41A3592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_03DD193A1FD0699E595E1CB2E41A543B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_03DD193A1FD0699E595E1CB2E41A543B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_D7593CAC70591B1294421CB2E41A7162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_D7593CAC70591B1294421CB2E41A7162" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_319336EF190819DB28AB1CB2E41AFA26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_319336EF190819DB28AB1CB2E41AFA26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldDepreciationAndAmortization_427394FAAB54B1D4C88A1CB2E41B3076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_319336EF190819DB28AB1CB2E41AFA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldDepreciationAndAmortization_427394FAAB54B1D4C88A1CB2E41B3076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RegionalAndUnallocatedFuneralAndCemeteryCosts" xlink:label="loc_csv_RegionalAndUnallocatedFuneralAndCemeteryCosts_19D20D0C136E12A0D9721CB2E41BF7DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_319336EF190819DB28AB1CB2E41AFA26" xlink:to="loc_csv_RegionalAndUnallocatedFuneralAndCemeteryCosts_19D20D0C136E12A0D9721CB2E41BF7DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_EAEA784754B4F871807A1CB2E41B88E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_EAEA784754B4F871807A1CB2E41B88E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_E17F24847D9101CD3C1A1CB2E41BD005" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_E17F24847D9101CD3C1A1CB2E41BD005" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_2911CD00B6CDAE7D7D831CB2E41B3474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_E17F24847D9101CD3C1A1CB2E41BD005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_2911CD00B6CDAE7D7D831CB2E41B3474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_259ACBE584DF01F647021CB2E41B3264" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_E17F24847D9101CD3C1A1CB2E41BD005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_259ACBE584DF01F647021CB2E41B3264" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_81F1FC90218FD482C4F21CB2E41B3B7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_E17F24847D9101CD3C1A1CB2E41BD005" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_81F1FC90218FD482C4F21CB2E41B3B7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_D21B5EDFF33B1578369D1CB2E41BE2E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_D21B5EDFF33B1578369D1CB2E41BE2E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_ABE4815EBE53E64AEBE61CB2E41BFA84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_ABE4815EBE53E64AEBE61CB2E41BFA84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_InterestIncomeAndOtherIncomeAndExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_csv_InterestIncomeAndOtherIncomeAndExpenseNet_21DFA947728ACEA57B201CB2E41BCF60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_csv_InterestIncomeAndOtherIncomeAndExpenseNet_21DFA947728ACEA57B201CB2E41BCF60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnRepurchaseOfDebtInstrument" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnRepurchaseOfDebtInstrument_ABE38A5DC4F0B9D0330A1CB2E41B2945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnRepurchaseOfDebtInstrument_ABE38A5DC4F0B9D0330A1CB2E41B2945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebtAndOtherCosts" xlink:label="loc_csv_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebtAndOtherCosts_79D445C92A23DFF172D71CB2E41B1A16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_csv_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebtAndOtherCosts_79D445C92A23DFF172D71CB2E41B1A16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_2A391AF13584DA182EB91CB2E41B1E07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_2A391AF13584DA182EB91CB2E41B1E07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_7582FEDD3C5052522C061CB2E41C71AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_7582FEDD3C5052522C061CB2E41C71AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_8BF6ABCFCE9ABB8A9A441CB2E41CC4E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_8BF6ABCFCE9ABB8A9A441CB2E41CC4E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_9A3A6D27F8A2A2D81F641CB2E41CC6AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_9A3A6D27F8A2A2D81F641CB2E41CC6AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_7C2A117B0E875698E9AF1CB2E41C4BB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity_7C2A117B0E875698E9AF1CB2E41C4BB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8F1F00889C3827BA3D151CB2E41C0BB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8F1F00889C3827BA3D151CB2E41C0BB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_31194E55AFB7E0AE15531CB2E41CAB8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_31194E55AFB7E0AE15531CB2E41CAB8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_46EE702EA17EE746F3E61CB2E41C8F12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_46EE702EA17EE746F3E61CB2E41C8F12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6BC9AD733A502AC5C0E51CB2E41C2631" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6BC9AD733A502AC5C0E51CB2E41C2631" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_54C140BA55ED98F429C71CB2E41C6855" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6BC9AD733A502AC5C0E51CB2E41C2631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare_54C140BA55ED98F429C71CB2E41C6855" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_B906AE5B7A5486C8CCE11CB2E41CDC1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6BC9AD733A502AC5C0E51CB2E41C2631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare_B906AE5B7A5486C8CCE11CB2E41CDC1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_79E891CD4667D21F56DC1CB2E41CD852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_6BC9AD733A502AC5C0E51CB2E41C2631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_79E891CD4667D21F56DC1CB2E41CD852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_2424195F4B1EB672BEF61CB2E41C237C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_2424195F4B1EB672BEF61CB2E41C237C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_357469365691CE28117C1CB2E41C17C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_2424195F4B1EB672BEF61CB2E41C237C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare_357469365691CE28117C1CB2E41C17C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_C884FF1A56777536687C1CB2E41CAD10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_2424195F4B1EB672BEF61CB2E41C237C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare_C884FF1A56777536687C1CB2E41CAD10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_E87165FEA7A16B5E74C01CB2E41CCE7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_2424195F4B1EB672BEF61CB2E41C237C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_E87165FEA7A16B5E74C01CB2E41CCE7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_605C6CD63E43AF5D83031CB2E41DBC5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_605C6CD63E43AF5D83031CB2E41DBC5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_FAC6B2A07B4B6233DAA41CB2E41DD993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D3DBACAAC4E7888502961CB2E41A176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_FAC6B2A07B4B6233DAA41CB2E41DD993" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_FCD91602BB94E4EBFDEB1CB2E41D0E6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_FAC6B2A07B4B6233DAA41CB2E41DD993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_FCD91602BB94E4EBFDEB1CB2E41D0E6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C5DF82651708B20E1D651CB2E41DD983" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_FAC6B2A07B4B6233DAA41CB2E41DD993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C5DF82651708B20E1D651CB2E41DD983" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesPayableToAffiliateAndCompanyObligatedMandatorilyRedeemableConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesOfCarriageServicesCapitalTrustDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_3E753D206F8FF171DCC3BBCF91B19043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_3E753D206F8FF171DCC3BBCF91B19043" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_45D6DB376AC99766EEFEBBCF91B14754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_3E753D206F8FF171DCC3BBCF91B19043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_45D6DB376AC99766EEFEBBCF91B14754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_445888BE9281C609D1D8BBCF91B1E43B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_45D6DB376AC99766EEFEBBCF91B14754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_445888BE9281C609D1D8BBCF91B1E43B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_445888BE9281C609D1D8BBCF91B1E43B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_45D6DB376AC99766EEFEBBCF91B14754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_445888BE9281C609D1D8BBCF91B1E43B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember_D0ED8B5F006116235074BBCF91B1C6AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_445888BE9281C609D1D8BBCF91B1E43B" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember_D0ED8B5F006116235074BBCF91B1C6AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_417752A48FD9FFE690BCBBCF91B1729A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_3E753D206F8FF171DCC3BBCF91B19043" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_417752A48FD9FFE690BCBBCF91B1729A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_97A524ED87444FD83476BBCF91B11F17_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_417752A48FD9FFE690BCBBCF91B1729A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_97A524ED87444FD83476BBCF91B11F17_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_97A524ED87444FD83476BBCF91B11F17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_417752A48FD9FFE690BCBBCF91B1729A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_97A524ED87444FD83476BBCF91B11F17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CarriageServicesCapitalTrustMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CarriageServicesCapitalTrustMember_94D6B3E5FEAD43E0EC9ABBCF91B183AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_97A524ED87444FD83476BBCF91B11F17" xlink:to="loc_csv_CarriageServicesCapitalTrustMember_94D6B3E5FEAD43E0EC9ABBCF91B183AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06ACDF6DBCDC09869FA1BBCF91B1DB91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_3E753D206F8FF171DCC3BBCF91B19043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06ACDF6DBCDC09869FA1BBCF91B1DB91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0A5BB268601E2ED3788DBBCF91B16CC0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06ACDF6DBCDC09869FA1BBCF91B1DB91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0A5BB268601E2ED3788DBBCF91B16CC0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0A5BB268601E2ED3788DBBCF91B16CC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_06ACDF6DBCDC09869FA1BBCF91B1DB91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0A5BB268601E2ED3788DBBCF91B16CC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_EAF9B555F8FC0CF94AEDBBCF91B16AA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0A5BB268601E2ED3788DBBCF91B16CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_EAF9B555F8FC0CF94AEDBBCF91B16AA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_C88E74E295930C78DE5EBBCF91B25034" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_C88E74E295930C78DE5EBBCF91B25034" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_5D8E38E4665A8F77D01CBBCF91B21C1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_5D8E38E4665A8F77D01CBBCF91B21C1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_39075EE91F8D771FC0A1BBCF91B2837C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_39075EE91F8D771FC0A1BBCF91B2837C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt_23D65C382EC4D53742CFBBCF91B20D20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt_23D65C382EC4D53742CFBBCF91B20D20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_B4B66BAAC3B85F724727BBCF91B2522F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_B4B66BAAC3B85F724727BBCF91B2522F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_4E7C8B330DE2740F90BFBBCF91B24E29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_4E7C8B330DE2740F90BFBBCF91B24E29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreferredStockEquivalentConversionPrice" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreferredStockEquivalentConversionPrice_DF80A42561836394EF0CBBCF91B21E66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreferredStockEquivalentConversionPrice_DF80A42561836394EF0CBBCF91B21E66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DeferralOfDistributions" xlink:label="loc_csv_DeferralOfDistributions_E0A2246178CA9F18DDADBBCF91B25F45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_DeferralOfDistributions_E0A2246178CA9F18DDADBBCF91B25F45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesRepurchasedShares" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesRepurchasedShares_FE348D048E79F0B918E5BBCF91B264D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesRepurchasedShares_FE348D048E79F0B918E5BBCF91B264D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesRepurchasedValue" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesRepurchasedValue_205BD02CB32AA10A08A9BBCF91B2F8C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertiblePreferredSecuritiesRepurchasedValue_205BD02CB32AA10A08A9BBCF91B2F8C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_GainOnRepurchaseOfConvertiblePreferredSecurities" xlink:label="loc_csv_GainOnRepurchaseOfConvertiblePreferredSecurities_B1DD637D93E5340C64ECBBCF91B25E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_GainOnRepurchaseOfConvertiblePreferredSecurities_B1DD637D93E5340C64ECBBCF91B25E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreferredStockCurrentConversionRate" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreferredStockCurrentConversionRate_0FE1C70CE83675AFFBFFBBCF91B277D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreferredStockCurrentConversionRate_0FE1C70CE83675AFFBFFBBCF91B277D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_826759860FBAD8BF48FBBBCF91B2581A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_826759860FBAD8BF48FBBBCF91B2581A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate_551259A54D45B118D097BBCF91B25881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BA7EACD982DDFC3E9646BBCF91B26AFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesDueToAffiliate_551259A54D45B118D097BBCF91B25881" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/DeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/DeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssetsDeferredChargesAndOtherNonCurrentAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_62B9C7B35A9A237EEB6A6F8DF46A1483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_62B9C7B35A9A237EEB6A6F8DF46A1483" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5B8028A1AF7B97DE6DEB6F8DF46A0A12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_62B9C7B35A9A237EEB6A6F8DF46A1483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5B8028A1AF7B97DE6DEB6F8DF46A0A12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B0443032DBDD8C58AC236F8DF46A60E9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5B8028A1AF7B97DE6DEB6F8DF46A0A12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B0443032DBDD8C58AC236F8DF46A60E9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B0443032DBDD8C58AC236F8DF46A60E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_5B8028A1AF7B97DE6DEB6F8DF46A0A12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B0443032DBDD8C58AC236F8DF46A60E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_D03ED588316D6DFF35B76F8DF46A5A2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B0443032DBDD8C58AC236F8DF46A60E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_D03ED588316D6DFF35B76F8DF46A5A2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_3240811EA175F11C67866F8DF46AC4CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B0443032DBDD8C58AC236F8DF46A60E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_3240811EA175F11C67866F8DF46AC4CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBA1194DAF04DA5D17976F8DF46AD8BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_62B9C7B35A9A237EEB6A6F8DF46A1483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBA1194DAF04DA5D17976F8DF46AD8BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5D7008BBBC4611C890A96F8DF46A3E67_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBA1194DAF04DA5D17976F8DF46AD8BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5D7008BBBC4611C890A96F8DF46A3E67_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5D7008BBBC4611C890A96F8DF46A3E67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBA1194DAF04DA5D17976F8DF46AD8BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5D7008BBBC4611C890A96F8DF46A3E67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtExcludingConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtExcludingConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesMember_04E629349A4BF91F969B6F8DF46AD2BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5D7008BBBC4611C890A96F8DF46A3E67" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtExcludingConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebenturesMember_04E629349A4BF91F969B6F8DF46AD2BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember_99F3AA64BA80E25A0BF76F8DF46A1450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5D7008BBBC4611C890A96F8DF46A3E67" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember_99F3AA64BA80E25A0BF76F8DF46A1450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9DD4302C7358445666996F8DF46A7AA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_62B9C7B35A9A237EEB6A6F8DF46A1483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9DD4302C7358445666996F8DF46A7AA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD710E1A36B4C486BAB06F8DF46B4DF4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9DD4302C7358445666996F8DF46A7AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD710E1A36B4C486BAB06F8DF46B4DF4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD710E1A36B4C486BAB06F8DF46B4DF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9DD4302C7358445666996F8DF46A7AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD710E1A36B4C486BAB06F8DF46B4DF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_A6A96EF7675B8A990A956F8DF46B2ECA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_FD710E1A36B4C486BAB06F8DF46B4DF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_A6A96EF7675B8A990A956F8DF46B2ECA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_9796DF27AD4397A20A0D6F8DF46BA071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_9796DF27AD4397A20A0D6F8DF46BA071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_6968901F4AB1651578626F8DF46B6106" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_6968901F4AB1651578626F8DF46B6106" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_A68DE31214CFCC1F4ED16F8DF46BCA21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_A68DE31214CFCC1F4ED16F8DF46BCA21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_DE82FCF7E50EDE4D79F56F8DF46B77A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_DE82FCF7E50EDE4D79F56F8DF46B77A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedAmortizationOfNoncurrentDeferredFinanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedAmortizationOfNoncurrentDeferredFinanceCosts_C7E2CE851D4D5B8899856F8DF46B5089" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedAmortizationOfNoncurrentDeferredFinanceCosts_C7E2CE851D4D5B8899856F8DF46B5089" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_AE2D94E33B2594316A4E6F8DF46BE4B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_AE2D94E33B2594316A4E6F8DF46BE4B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_D611893B020EADD462916F92016AECCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_D611893B020EADD462916F92016AECCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets_77C69EBD95FFA6BFFFC16F8DF46B4CF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7CF0D193B85BACEF60776F8DF46B56C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCostsAndOtherAssets_77C69EBD95FFA6BFFFC16F8DF46B4CF9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyOfValuationTechniquesUtilizedToDetermineFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_29D99E4DA88CD8F48715177388EB61BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C4B1CD7596FCDC918D17177388E95033" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_29D99E4DA88CD8F48715177388EB61BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C4B1CD7596FCDC918D17177388E95033" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EligibleItemOrGroupForFairValueOptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EligibleItemOrGroupForFairValueOptionAxis_FACFA48737457E6131B6177388E94F06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C4B1CD7596FCDC918D17177388E95033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EligibleItemOrGroupForFairValueOptionAxis_FACFA48737457E6131B6177388E94F06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EligibleItemOrGroupForFairValueOptionAxis_FACFA48737457E6131B6177388E94F06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EligibleItemOrGroupForFairValueOptionAxis_FACFA48737457E6131B6177388E94F06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_459F43F2CB016859A111177388EA6F5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_459F43F2CB016859A111177388EA6F5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_7CD2CC6A671CB8F5C363177388EA5734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_7CD2CC6A671CB8F5C363177388EA5734" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_569337CED9050B5D1266177388EA34A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_569337CED9050B5D1266177388EA34A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_71E0A429D914D77A6B59177388EA19E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_71E0A429D914D77A6B59177388EA19E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_44DA06FF4DF28FF26C2D177388EA09CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_44DA06FF4DF28FF26C2D177388EA09CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_C190FC4D985D754095D8177388EA9749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_C190FC4D985D754095D8177388EA9749" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_6FF3BE390954181FAFF7177388EAEE6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_6FF3BE390954181FAFF7177388EAEE6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_USLargeCapMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_USLargeCapMember_E88DA3587A4AB174157A177388EA8AE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_USLargeCapMember_E88DA3587A4AB174157A177388EA8AE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_USMidCapMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_USMidCapMember_A0CCD04B5681203E77B9177388EAD870" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_USMidCapMember_A0CCD04B5681203E77B9177388EAD870" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_USSmallCapMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_USSmallCapMember_58B1613ED615E311D476177388EA6F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_USSmallCapMember_58B1613ED615E311D476177388EA6F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_InternationalEquityMutualFundMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_InternationalEquityMutualFundMember_7E0A4435ED272E69A498177388EAF6C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_InternationalEquityMutualFundMember_7E0A4435ED272E69A498177388EAF6C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_UsReitFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_UsReitFundsMember_74F34DF30A271F46BAB3177388EAE6B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_UsReitFundsMember_74F34DF30A271F46BAB3177388EAE6B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_UsInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_UsInvestmentGradeMember_85498DA4A42F6ABCB1FD177388EA3142" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_UsInvestmentGradeMember_85498DA4A42F6ABCB1FD177388EA3142" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_UsHighYieldMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_UsHighYieldMember_6AB483B013921240BB98177388EA3A0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_UsHighYieldMember_6AB483B013921240BB98177388EA3A0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_InsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_InsuranceMember_52B1BF8E625E4E809C03177388EAD04E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_InsuranceMember_52B1BF8E625E4E809C03177388EAD04E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_OtherMutualFundMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_OtherMutualFundMember_16C35A238E91E7A20DF7177388EB0039" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionEligibleItemOrGroupDomain_17F321BAE36F6D0C2E82177388E91281" xlink:to="loc_csv_OtherMutualFundMember_16C35A238E91E7A20DF7177388EB0039" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_719A41F34445054F834E177388EB49F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C4B1CD7596FCDC918D17177388E95033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_719A41F34445054F834E177388EB49F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_CE880997025ECA24DA19177388EBBBBF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_719A41F34445054F834E177388EB49F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_CE880997025ECA24DA19177388EBBBBF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_CE880997025ECA24DA19177388EBBBBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_719A41F34445054F834E177388EB49F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_CE880997025ECA24DA19177388EBBBBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_FBC1F498DBB6DB9A96C7177388EB5A26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_CE880997025ECA24DA19177388EBBBBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_FBC1F498DBB6DB9A96C7177388EB5A26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_D877E4E39A6EB9A69FCB177388EB22AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_CE880997025ECA24DA19177388EBBBBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_D877E4E39A6EB9A69FCB177388EB22AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0B9A9208CFC6CF083BDA177388EB4860" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_CE880997025ECA24DA19177388EBBBBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0B9A9208CFC6CF083BDA177388EB4860" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_90FDF029C50F01A8D04A177388EBB139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_29D99E4DA88CD8F48715177388EB61BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_90FDF029C50F01A8D04A177388EBB139" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_69D0C0A5C955CF671D6B7B1F7E3B6C1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4E8EBD7A77E5B70C35D37B1F7E39F885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_69D0C0A5C955CF671D6B7B1F7E3B6C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4E8EBD7A77E5B70C35D37B1F7E39F885" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_566BD5AB038F0E2F11F47B1F7E3A38FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4E8EBD7A77E5B70C35D37B1F7E39F885" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_566BD5AB038F0E2F11F47B1F7E3A38FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_20537CA072A11985F7E07B1F7E3A6979_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_566BD5AB038F0E2F11F47B1F7E3A38FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_20537CA072A11985F7E07B1F7E3A6979_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_20537CA072A11985F7E07B1F7E3A6979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_566BD5AB038F0E2F11F47B1F7E3A38FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_20537CA072A11985F7E07B1F7E3A6979" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember_EB93ADA9D8C897C4CB5A7B1F7E3B2438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_20537CA072A11985F7E07B1F7E3A6979" xlink:to="loc_csv_ConvertibleJuniorSubordinatedDebentureMember_EB93ADA9D8C897C4CB5A7B1F7E3B2438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisSubordinatedDebtObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisSubordinatedDebtObligations_641D126D9EA7E36939547B1F7E3C1198" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_69D0C0A5C955CF671D6B7B1F7E3B6C1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisSubordinatedDebtObligations_641D126D9EA7E36939547B1F7E3C1198" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/GoodwillChangesInGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_C099227BFB062C2EB88F6AC89B45B44E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationTable_F36B61DC4928559499AB6AC89B45A662" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_C099227BFB062C2EB88F6AC89B45B44E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationTable_F36B61DC4928559499AB6AC89B45A662" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_6E6CC14599DC4498C0606AC89B450B50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationTable_F36B61DC4928559499AB6AC89B45A662" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_6E6CC14599DC4498C0606AC89B450B50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_04BB7D8AA19F68A325546AC89B45501D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_6E6CC14599DC4498C0606AC89B450B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_04BB7D8AA19F68A325546AC89B45501D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_04BB7D8AA19F68A325546AC89B45501D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_6E6CC14599DC4498C0606AC89B450B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_04BB7D8AA19F68A325546AC89B45501D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_3DE023AC35FEB4B42F126AC89B45C669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_04BB7D8AA19F68A325546AC89B45501D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_3DE023AC35FEB4B42F126AC89B45C669" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FederalMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FederalMember_3AB2618AE2B6EB0B37BD6AC89B45F2AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_04BB7D8AA19F68A325546AC89B45501D" xlink:to="loc_csv_FederalMember_3AB2618AE2B6EB0B37BD6AC89B45F2AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectAdjustmentGrossLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectAdjustmentGrossLosses_7D6FAA13F18E257B2B5B6AC89B453A9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_C099227BFB062C2EB88F6AC89B45B44E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectAdjustmentGrossLosses_7D6FAA13F18E257B2B5B6AC89B453A9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_9D6DFE6A14CDEAB9F9C16AC89B46BE20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_C099227BFB062C2EB88F6AC89B45B44E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_9D6DFE6A14CDEAB9F9C16AC89B46BE20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_9DA8B22282C23A46B0306AC89B469247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_C099227BFB062C2EB88F6AC89B45B44E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_9DA8B22282C23A46B0306AC89B469247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_178CE55A42EA64AC09026AC89B4635D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_C099227BFB062C2EB88F6AC89B45B44E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_178CE55A42EA64AC09026AC89B4635D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_UnrecognizedTaxBenefirtSummaryOfPositionsCumulativeDeductionsTaken" xlink:label="loc_csv_UnrecognizedTaxBenefirtSummaryOfPositionsCumulativeDeductionsTaken_2C08702070347755427F6AC89B46841E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_C099227BFB062C2EB88F6AC89B45B44E" xlink:to="loc_csv_UnrecognizedTaxBenefirtSummaryOfPositionsCumulativeDeductionsTaken_2C08702070347755427F6AC89B46841E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesScheduleOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtCompliancePeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodAxis_8C185E0940096A831DC664C74773CC5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodAxis_8C185E0940096A831DC664C74773CC5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain_8965A348675EB7788BF964C74773456F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodAxis_8C185E0940096A831DC664C74773CC5A" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain_8965A348675EB7788BF964C74773456F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain_8965A348675EB7788BF964C74773456F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodAxis_8C185E0940096A831DC664C74773CC5A" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain_8965A348675EB7788BF964C74773456F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtCompliancePeriodPeriodOneMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodPeriodOneMember_6D01495CD013A098EA3064C747731087" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain_8965A348675EB7788BF964C74773456F" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodPeriodOneMember_6D01495CD013A098EA3064C747731087" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtCompliancePeriodPeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodPeriodTwoMember_40039903A559F014F09A64C7477379B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodDomain_8965A348675EB7788BF964C74773456F" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtCompliancePeriodPeriodTwoMember_40039903A559F014F09A64C7477379B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsAxis" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsAxis_09F4A47F440DEF46CC1C64C74773FEEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsAxis_09F4A47F440DEF46CC1C64C74773FEEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain_52A3787348B31FDD49D864C74773A255_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsAxis_09F4A47F440DEF46CC1C64C74773FEEA" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain_52A3787348B31FDD49D864C74773A255_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain_52A3787348B31FDD49D864C74773A255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsAxis_09F4A47F440DEF46CC1C64C74773FEEA" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain_52A3787348B31FDD49D864C74773A255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PrimeRateOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PrimeRateOptionMember_E18824AF9C48B2B46CA364C74774E43E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain_52A3787348B31FDD49D864C74773A255" xlink:to="loc_csv_PrimeRateOptionMember_E18824AF9C48B2B46CA364C74774E43E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LiborMarginOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_LiborMarginOptionMember_D42B12135C22AAE3FE6F64C747746E41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_DebtInterestRateOptionsDomain_52A3787348B31FDD49D864C74773A255" xlink:to="loc_csv_LiborMarginOptionMember_D42B12135C22AAE3FE6F64C747746E41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2472E99EC49F595207EF64C74774C380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2472E99EC49F595207EF64C74774C380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8D43F94686AD1F0E315864C74774B9CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2472E99EC49F595207EF64C74774C380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8D43F94686AD1F0E315864C74774B9CE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8D43F94686AD1F0E315864C74774B9CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2472E99EC49F595207EF64C74774C380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8D43F94686AD1F0E315864C74774B9CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_22B77B63EE51D0C763D764C747740E39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8D43F94686AD1F0E315864C74774B9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_22B77B63EE51D0C763D764C747740E39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_47B0088292F2A5B0F68464C7477488A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8D43F94686AD1F0E315864C74774B9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_47B0088292F2A5B0F68464C7477488A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A2433154FA0C5ECE91E164C74775EEC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A2433154FA0C5ECE91E164C74775EEC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C6E155702D7CF90CD42A64C74775E62A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A2433154FA0C5ECE91E164C74775EEC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C6E155702D7CF90CD42A64C74775E62A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C6E155702D7CF90CD42A64C74775E62A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A2433154FA0C5ECE91E164C74775EEC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C6E155702D7CF90CD42A64C74775E62A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_70604610DD5CE6DF34BF64C747759828" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C6E155702D7CF90CD42A64C74775E62A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_70604610DD5CE6DF34BF64C747759828" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CreditFacilityTermNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CreditFacilityTermNoteMember_6D2549F6DE67E0CB02F664C74775DEF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C6E155702D7CF90CD42A64C74775E62A" xlink:to="loc_csv_CreditFacilityTermNoteMember_6D2549F6DE67E0CB02F664C74775DEF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBC993EB2B70E8AA7D1A64C747758C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBC993EB2B70E8AA7D1A64C747758C1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C1A91EBC6CC3B42CF9FF64C7477503C4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBC993EB2B70E8AA7D1A64C747758C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C1A91EBC6CC3B42CF9FF64C7477503C4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C1A91EBC6CC3B42CF9FF64C7477503C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_BBC993EB2B70E8AA7D1A64C747758C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C1A91EBC6CC3B42CF9FF64C7477503C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_DCFEB3E0613D2437DA0264C747753BCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C1A91EBC6CC3B42CF9FF64C7477503C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_DCFEB3E0613D2437DA0264C747753BCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_250E3D411000A2C1573064C747753D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C1A91EBC6CC3B42CF9FF64C7477503C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_250E3D411000A2C1573064C747753D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DeferredPurchasePriceNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DeferredPurchasePriceNotesMember_15C58298A75F17812ED464C74776A5CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C1A91EBC6CC3B42CF9FF64C7477503C4" xlink:to="loc_csv_DeferredPurchasePriceNotesMember_15C58298A75F17812ED464C74776A5CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F50910D4761800EC5A6964C7477658C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C88E4EF096AF4FE7C9364C747733666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F50910D4761800EC5A6964C7477658C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9FBB9C07255E9E6FA60A64C747762E8E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F50910D4761800EC5A6964C7477658C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9FBB9C07255E9E6FA60A64C747762E8E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9FBB9C07255E9E6FA60A64C747762E8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F50910D4761800EC5A6964C7477658C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9FBB9C07255E9E6FA60A64C747762E8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CarriageSevenpointeightsevenfivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member" xlink:label="loc_csv_CarriageSevenpointeightsevenfivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member_129E8F8DD497B3CF0D1564C747769030" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9FBB9C07255E9E6FA60A64C747762E8E" xlink:to="loc_csv_CarriageSevenpointeightsevenfivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member_129E8F8DD497B3CF0D1564C747769030" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AcquisitionDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_AcquisitionDebtMember_A9E2E7B4DE6974863BC264C74776E258" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9FBB9C07255E9E6FA60A64C747762E8E" xlink:to="loc_csv_AcquisitionDebtMember_A9E2E7B4DE6974863BC264C74776E258" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_2D7781E60761A7AF5EF064C747762CAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_2D7781E60761A7AF5EF064C747762CAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_9C7BDA52F4EC6143ACB264C747761BA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_9C7BDA52F4EC6143ACB264C747761BA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LineOfCreditFacilityPotentialIncreaseToBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_csv_LineOfCreditFacilityPotentialIncreaseToBorrowingCapacity_5727C18C836744EC354564C7477656C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_LineOfCreditFacilityPotentialIncreaseToBorrowingCapacity_5727C18C836744EC354564C7477656C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding_3EC2FB43E3BB7200762264C747777765" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding_3EC2FB43E3BB7200762264C747777765" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_2C44460AB8A72DFB12F464C747779DE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_2C44460AB8A72DFB12F464C747779DE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPremium" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPremium_43A0D25B4D9A84E382FD64C74777A414" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPremium_43A0D25B4D9A84E382FD64C74777A414" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_491681BD5C91615AB1F764C74777C604" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_491681BD5C91615AB1F764C74777C604" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_SeniorNotesPreviouslyHeldByUnrelatedCompany" xlink:label="loc_csv_SeniorNotesPreviouslyHeldByUnrelatedCompany_2B7F44A73B62DCAE7E7364C747772597" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_SeniorNotesPreviouslyHeldByUnrelatedCompany_2B7F44A73B62DCAE7E7364C747772597" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_D9420D59DA9F5971A52164C747771FDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_D9420D59DA9F5971A52164C747771FDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBasis_CF5D6A686B9BE341610564C747774118" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBasis_CF5D6A686B9BE341610564C747774118" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts_A6EC951608A5C8BAA47864C74777CC0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts_A6EC951608A5C8BAA47864C74777CC0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_Dividendrateontermincomedeferrableconvertiblepreferredsecuritiesheldbycarriageservicecapitaltrustspeinconnectionwithtrustsdebenturesinpercent" xlink:label="loc_csv_Dividendrateontermincomedeferrableconvertiblepreferredsecuritiesheldbycarriageservicecapitaltrustspeinconnectionwithtrustsdebenturesinpercent_3BB835193D4D47D1B14364C747772C57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_Dividendrateontermincomedeferrableconvertiblepreferredsecuritiesheldbycarriageservicecapitaltrustspeinconnectionwithtrustsdebenturesinpercent_3BB835193D4D47D1B14364C747772C57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInstrumentDebtComplianceRequiredMaximumLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentDebtComplianceRequiredMaximumLeverageRatio_CC8AAF01EB8000540F3D64C74777ADF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentDebtComplianceRequiredMaximumLeverageRatio_CC8AAF01EB8000540F3D64C74777ADF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_7C74025EC35065772C3B64C747775D26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_7C74025EC35065772C3B64C747775D26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RatioOfEarningsToFixedCostObligations" xlink:label="loc_csv_RatioOfEarningsToFixedCostObligations_5D32910742A6644C7BD464C747778057" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_RatioOfEarningsToFixedCostObligations_5D32910742A6644C7BD464C747778057" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInstrumentDebtComplianceRequiredMinimumFixedChargeRatio" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentDebtComplianceRequiredMinimumFixedChargeRatio_0CCA8C6E476DCF29D3A764C74777C872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentDebtComplianceRequiredMinimumFixedChargeRatio_0CCA8C6E476DCF29D3A764C74777C872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B3B7265880B4F42903E064C74777411D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B3B7265880B4F42903E064C74777411D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInstrumentImputedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentImputedInterestRate_B10902D43C5D7495FC2E64C747772DCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentImputedInterestRate_B10902D43C5D7495FC2E64C747772DCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtInstrumentOriginalMaturity" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentOriginalMaturity_E199724AB012B38D73D164C747778642" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtInstrumentOriginalMaturity_E199724AB012B38D73D164C747778642" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_76AAE130AACCC6172F8464C747783796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_76AAE130AACCC6172F8464C747783796" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_3667CB63326170614F1364C7477839FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_3667CB63326170614F1364C7477839FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_BB6B8F4785DCA3789B2164C7477DEEE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_BB6B8F4785DCA3789B2164C7477DEEE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_1DF733C8FF8C1804A1D664C7477D7ABF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_1DF733C8FF8C1804A1D664C7477D7ABF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_07BDF730837C589FAE4564C7477DFA9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_07BDF730837C589FAE4564C7477DFA9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_F404F462FBE25C63857164C7477D0C0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_A7B471B932CDF1502B4364C74776748C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_F404F462FBE25C63857164C7477D0C0C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/LongTermDebtLongTermDebtSeniorLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2A58BBAD7E673C2447569054D97B033" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6B7FFED67AC490306C2769054D9619E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2A58BBAD7E673C2447569054D97B033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6B7FFED67AC490306C2769054D9619E9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_751C7DC0D14E7BEC838B69054D963655" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6B7FFED67AC490306C2769054D9619E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_751C7DC0D14E7BEC838B69054D963655" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_021036FCC1744D7470FC69054D960880_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_751C7DC0D14E7BEC838B69054D963655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_021036FCC1744D7470FC69054D960880_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_021036FCC1744D7470FC69054D960880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_751C7DC0D14E7BEC838B69054D963655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_021036FCC1744D7470FC69054D960880" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_A2AAF575310B23FBDF0D69054D969D15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_021036FCC1744D7470FC69054D960880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_A2AAF575310B23FBDF0D69054D969D15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CreditFacilityTermNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CreditFacilityTermNoteMember_A52D4C9605A020D06CF969054D9658CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_021036FCC1744D7470FC69054D960880" xlink:to="loc_csv_CreditFacilityTermNoteMember_A52D4C9605A020D06CF969054D9658CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D6959BF9CA01BD43EC5369054D966FCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6B7FFED67AC490306C2769054D9619E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D6959BF9CA01BD43EC5369054D966FCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D6959BF9CA01BD43EC5369054D966FCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D6959BF9CA01BD43EC5369054D966FCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_69506D2C2B0980BB5A7F69054D973B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_69506D2C2B0980BB5A7F69054D973B80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_546FE20EE0FFFE75EDFE69054D971A18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_546FE20EE0FFFE75EDFE69054D971A18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_29499846346B1E3857E069054D97D310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_29499846346B1E3857E069054D97D310" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DebtOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DebtOtherMember_DEE27E2749A9BFF512A169054D9731DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C8E8AE42A985DCDCFCFF69054D9740A7" xlink:to="loc_csv_DebtOtherMember_DEE27E2749A9BFF512A169054D9731DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D785AF5D38EC36AE56EA69054D97B335" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6B7FFED67AC490306C2769054D9619E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D785AF5D38EC36AE56EA69054D97B335" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0170DC8E6768C927751B69054D971294_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D785AF5D38EC36AE56EA69054D97B335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0170DC8E6768C927751B69054D971294_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0170DC8E6768C927751B69054D971294" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D785AF5D38EC36AE56EA69054D97B335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0170DC8E6768C927751B69054D971294" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RevolvingCreditFacilitySecuredFloatingRateMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RevolvingCreditFacilitySecuredFloatingRateMember_A0BCB196EFF38E74188F69054D97CDA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0170DC8E6768C927751B69054D971294" xlink:to="loc_csv_RevolvingCreditFacilitySecuredFloatingRateMember_A0BCB196EFF38E74188F69054D97CDA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CarriageSevenpointeightsevenfivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member" xlink:label="loc_csv_CarriageSevenpointeightsevenfivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member_948947FFC8BCD320FDB669054D97658E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0170DC8E6768C927751B69054D971294" xlink:to="loc_csv_CarriageSevenpointeightsevenfivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member_948947FFC8BCD320FDB669054D97658E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AcquisitionDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_AcquisitionDebtMember_EEAE23986E67BD5D3FB469054D97FEDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0170DC8E6768C927751B69054D971294" xlink:to="loc_csv_AcquisitionDebtMember_EEAE23986E67BD5D3FB469054D97FEDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3D3237F6D2DFE532D8DB69054D97A562" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2A58BBAD7E673C2447569054D97B033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3D3237F6D2DFE532D8DB69054D97A562" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_008B18741A5BED8B365769054D97EDCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2A58BBAD7E673C2447569054D97B033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_008B18741A5BED8B365769054D97EDCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_13917790DA99F465662F69054D975001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2A58BBAD7E673C2447569054D97B033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_13917790DA99F465662F69054D975001" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_22F9C8F943E07A5064C069054D97E1E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D2A58BBAD7E673C2447569054D97B033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_22F9C8F943E07A5064C069054D97E1E5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/MajorSegmentsOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/MajorSegmentsOfBusinessRevenuePreTaxIncomeAndTotalAssetsBySegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_43FA9C9AD7CFF8B6534A914F70C07441" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_43FA9C9AD7CFF8B6534A914F70C07441" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8EFC6CF7F167D3B5985914F70C07460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_43FA9C9AD7CFF8B6534A914F70C07441" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8EFC6CF7F167D3B5985914F70C07460" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_99C124AEE688EA71EE12914F70C013C2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8EFC6CF7F167D3B5985914F70C07460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_99C124AEE688EA71EE12914F70C013C2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_99C124AEE688EA71EE12914F70C013C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8EFC6CF7F167D3B5985914F70C07460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_99C124AEE688EA71EE12914F70C013C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralMember_3046D1A3EE63696B3078914F70C0F2DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_99C124AEE688EA71EE12914F70C013C2" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralMember_3046D1A3EE63696B3078914F70C0F2DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_8F153003E2A7337C64FD914F70C08357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_99C124AEE688EA71EE12914F70C013C2" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_8F153003E2A7337C64FD914F70C08357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_0ECF7AC89995D7987B55914F70C0247F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_99C124AEE688EA71EE12914F70C013C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_0ECF7AC89995D7987B55914F70C0247F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_0850AF9AA38DC4E62DFF914F70C07F68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_0850AF9AA38DC4E62DFF914F70C07F68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_719642DE5E161D536EAE914F70C02DC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_719642DE5E161D536EAE914F70C02DC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_913CB34B6A63FD81B5D3914F70C03AFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_913CB34B6A63FD81B5D3914F70C03AFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets_ECB300DF6B19E76987A7914F70C0E672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets_ECB300DF6B19E76987A7914F70C0E672" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization_342B8A82C08DE8B224D3914F70C076C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization_342B8A82C08DE8B224D3914F70C076C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_208FD97D61D2A61F007D914F70C02822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_208FD97D61D2A61F007D914F70C02822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NumberOfOperatingLocations" xlink:label="loc_csv_NumberOfOperatingLocations_624ABDF916F0C0A058AE914F70C0D14B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_csv_NumberOfOperatingLocations_624ABDF916F0C0A058AE914F70C0D14B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_7945BB907F738D3AE0A3914F70C0AE75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_7945BB907F738D3AE0A3914F70C0AE75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_91EE2465A8B61C467296914F70C03A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B7F3100C0CD224A592EE914F70C0C98F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_91EE2465A8B61C467296914F70C03A8C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreferredStock" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreferredStockPreferredStockDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_3DFB042108E703F055125EDB8BE1F8E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_3187BCB66896D2B4D1D95EDB8BDC4B3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_3DFB042108E703F055125EDB8BE1F8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_3187BCB66896D2B4D1D95EDB8BDC4B3D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_93CF081C591E70C1173A5EDB8BDCE2EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_3187BCB66896D2B4D1D95EDB8BDC4B3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_93CF081C591E70C1173A5EDB8BDCE2EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F55C54209FD21ED72D25EDB8BDC9D7C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_93CF081C591E70C1173A5EDB8BDCE2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F55C54209FD21ED72D25EDB8BDC9D7C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F55C54209FD21ED72D25EDB8BDC9D7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_93CF081C591E70C1173A5EDB8BDCE2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F55C54209FD21ED72D25EDB8BDC9D7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember_B6D532CD876A4B64F2AE5EDB8BDC05AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F55C54209FD21ED72D25EDB8BDC9D7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableConvertiblePreferredStockMember_B6D532CD876A4B64F2AE5EDB8BDC05AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_258CEB0101814CE5CB145EDB8BDC3082" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F55C54209FD21ED72D25EDB8BDC9D7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_258CEB0101814CE5CB145EDB8BDC3082" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_A142866613B7E84DBFB35EDB8BE1C0F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_3DFB042108E703F055125EDB8BE1F8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_A142866613B7E84DBFB35EDB8BE1C0F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_C78DF489CE00945CBC905EDB8BE1FD17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_3DFB042108E703F055125EDB8BE1F8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_C78DF489CE00945CBC905EDB8BE1FD17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_19AC992DE7F19ADE975C5EDB8BE18EB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_3DFB042108E703F055125EDB8BE1F8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_19AC992DE7F19ADE975C5EDB8BE18EB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_D3B5AA3851245FBCB6015EDB8BE20BD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_3DFB042108E703F055125EDB8BE1F8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_D3B5AA3851245FBCB6015EDB8BE20BD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_24ADF5B18F85784F50A05EDB8BE20B4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_3DFB042108E703F055125EDB8BE1F8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_24ADF5B18F85784F50A05EDB8BE20B4E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedCemeteryReceivablesAgingOfPastDueFinancingReceivablesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_AE256F64B4949B5B856B2BD62349D1DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_AE256F64B4949B5B856B2BD62349D1DF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_D8F4F41BD2CA225CCAC42BD6234A5B65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_AE256F64B4949B5B856B2BD62349D1DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_D8F4F41BD2CA225CCAC42BD6234A5B65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B79BF84FC03430C9DF1B2BD6234AF6B4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_D8F4F41BD2CA225CCAC42BD6234A5B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B79BF84FC03430C9DF1B2BD6234AF6B4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B79BF84FC03430C9DF1B2BD6234AF6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_D8F4F41BD2CA225CCAC42BD6234A5B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B79BF84FC03430C9DF1B2BD6234AF6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RecognizedRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RecognizedRevenueMember_72E71CFA2A4F8E663B3F2BD6234ABA4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B79BF84FC03430C9DF1B2BD6234AF6B4" xlink:to="loc_csv_RecognizedRevenueMember_72E71CFA2A4F8E663B3F2BD6234ABA4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DeferredRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DeferredRevenueMember_A8FC77E4C33BB34ECA012BD6234A68FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_B79BF84FC03430C9DF1B2BD6234AF6B4" xlink:to="loc_csv_DeferredRevenueMember_A8FC77E4C33BB34ECA012BD6234A68FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue_403366865982B82B21152BD6234A7381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue_403366865982B82B21152BD6234A7381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue_ABFFC58E9DBA6129C91F2BD6234ACAC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue_ABFFC58E9DBA6129C91F2BD6234ACAC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNinetyOneToOneHundredTwentyDaysPastDue" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNinetyOneToOneHundredTwentyDaysPastDue_149CC357418493D1842D2BD6234A5881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNinetyOneToOneHundredTwentyDaysPastDue_149CC357418493D1842D2BD6234A5881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThanOneHundredTwentyDaysPastDue" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThanOneHundredTwentyDaysPastDue_568DC424A93F2B4F8DDB2BD6234A9BD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentEqualToGreaterThanOneHundredTwentyDaysPastDue_568DC424A93F2B4F8DDB2BD6234A9BD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue_B52A1E18B455D3C030112BD6234AE27D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue_B52A1E18B455D3C030112BD6234AE27D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent_95D7F7DC4A0DBC4FECA02BD6234ABBA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent_95D7F7DC4A0DBC4FECA02BD6234ABBA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinancingReceivablesTotal" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinancingReceivablesTotal_62EFAD8EB66E71DCB76B2BD6234AAFC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_8C9AD73D57F0DA891D6E2BD6234A246A" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinancingReceivablesTotal_62EFAD8EB66E71DCB76B2BD6234AAFC7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedCemeteryReceivablesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedCemeteryReceivablesPreneedCemeteryReceivablesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_9FACB25940E8ACBA2B0491337C28E481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DB128C3172F42FD73C691337C284B1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_9FACB25940E8ACBA2B0491337C28E481" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DB128C3172F42FD73C691337C284B1B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_29CC88BC418981CE314B91337C288E59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DB128C3172F42FD73C691337C284B1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_29CC88BC418981CE314B91337C288E59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_232281DDC7F7D8B56DEB91337C28A9B9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_29CC88BC418981CE314B91337C288E59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_232281DDC7F7D8B56DEB91337C28A9B9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_232281DDC7F7D8B56DEB91337C28A9B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_29CC88BC418981CE314B91337C288E59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_232281DDC7F7D8B56DEB91337C28A9B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryReceivablesMember_513652D9A16AA5CEC3CF91337C28111D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_232281DDC7F7D8B56DEB91337C28A9B9" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryReceivablesMember_513652D9A16AA5CEC3CF91337C28111D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_98960080FB892F9AB81291337C28EE6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_9FACB25940E8ACBA2B0491337C28E481" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_98960080FB892F9AB81291337C28EE6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_EB0EA7B7A48C4F204AFC91337C29B564" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_98960080FB892F9AB81291337C28EE6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_EB0EA7B7A48C4F204AFC91337C29B564" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableChargeOffs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableChargeOffs_956DD9D66AAD7789ED9191337C29BE6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_98960080FB892F9AB81291337C28EE6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableChargeOffs_956DD9D66AAD7789ED9191337C29BE6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_C63E3EF294AAB77AC5E691337C29B071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_98960080FB892F9AB81291337C28EE6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_C63E3EF294AAB77AC5E691337C29B071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_0A3B912AEBE64C0B4A3A91337C29EC01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_98960080FB892F9AB81291337C28EE6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_0A3B912AEBE64C0B4A3A91337C29EC01" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsComponentsOfPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D074049F08FAE64C917A63F6CB18BBEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_7C34DB5BBFA8329A6B1C63F6CB187727" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D074049F08FAE64C917A63F6CB18BBEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_7C34DB5BBFA8329A6B1C63F6CB187727" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E2FC80F693BBC90CFC0163F6CB1837C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_7C34DB5BBFA8329A6B1C63F6CB187727" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E2FC80F693BBC90CFC0163F6CB1837C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9178245EF624CA14692A63F6CB188B2C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E2FC80F693BBC90CFC0163F6CB1837C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9178245EF624CA14692A63F6CB188B2C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9178245EF624CA14692A63F6CB188B2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E2FC80F693BBC90CFC0163F6CB1837C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9178245EF624CA14692A63F6CB188B2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_EC79B5E1295093874E9763F6CB1878E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9178245EF624CA14692A63F6CB188B2C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_EC79B5E1295093874E9763F6CB1878E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation" xlink:label="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_0107BF41065A9D7BC8EF63F6CB185C91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D074049F08FAE64C917A63F6CB18BBEC" xlink:to="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_0107BF41065A9D7BC8EF63F6CB185C91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LessAllowanceForContractCancellation" xlink:label="loc_csv_LessAllowanceForContractCancellation_46B30CA643676BA1E0F763F6CB1996FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D074049F08FAE64C917A63F6CB18BBEC" xlink:to="loc_csv_LessAllowanceForContractCancellation_46B30CA643676BA1E0F763F6CB1996FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_14960B75C5B0A2BCD81963F6CB190C62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D074049F08FAE64C917A63F6CB18BBEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_14960B75C5B0A2BCD81963F6CB190C62" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsComponentsOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3CC3A1B4B6CAAF793FF6603324B7A376" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6EE13E16264DC585E183603324B76322" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3CC3A1B4B6CAAF793FF6603324B7A376" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6EE13E16264DC585E183603324B76322" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6641DF28CE8C0D464F10603324B75FF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6EE13E16264DC585E183603324B76322" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6641DF28CE8C0D464F10603324B75FF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92523A18326739A5733F603324B7E3BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6641DF28CE8C0D464F10603324B75FF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92523A18326739A5733F603324B7E3BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92523A18326739A5733F603324B7E3BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6641DF28CE8C0D464F10603324B75FF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92523A18326739A5733F603324B7E3BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_D712E12E939DBC54C46A603324B7D584" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92523A18326739A5733F603324B7E3BF" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_D712E12E939DBC54C46A603324B7D584" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation" xlink:label="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_521EA96ABF8AF346BD17603324B765BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3CC3A1B4B6CAAF793FF6603324B7A376" xlink:to="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_521EA96ABF8AF346BD17603324B765BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_LessAllowanceForContractCancellation" xlink:label="loc_csv_LessAllowanceForContractCancellation_2A02E3920612E35F9C89603324B78F6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3CC3A1B4B6CAAF793FF6603324B7A376" xlink:to="loc_csv_LessAllowanceForContractCancellation_2A02E3920612E35F9C89603324B78F6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_D6F38ABE8FF4B8699E76603324B7DB5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3CC3A1B4B6CAAF793FF6603324B7A376" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent_D6F38ABE8FF4B8699E76603324B7DB5E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F62268BC3372EC230A7C86E907E4C6CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F62268BC3372EC230A7C86E907E4C6CE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_884033E8D9A8BF39271086E907E4FDD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F62268BC3372EC230A7C86E907E4C6CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_884033E8D9A8BF39271086E907E4FDD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F8762930151BEE04984A86E907E4C550_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_884033E8D9A8BF39271086E907E4FDD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F8762930151BEE04984A86E907E4C550_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F8762930151BEE04984A86E907E4C550" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_884033E8D9A8BF39271086E907E4FDD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F8762930151BEE04984A86E907E4C550" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_12F914D13F6C513A9CCF86E907E42D56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F8762930151BEE04984A86E907E4C550" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_12F914D13F6C513A9CCF86E907E42D56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_19A5734778C1FC5014B786E907E4A73B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F62268BC3372EC230A7C86E907E4C6CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_19A5734778C1FC5014B786E907E4A73B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_19A5734778C1FC5014B786E907E4A73B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_19A5734778C1FC5014B786E907E4A73B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_1B3BBE86E1B8C831299986E907E4DD5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_1B3BBE86E1B8C831299986E907E4DD5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_C8C9E85F3A5B1F35DC5386FC0DED6699" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_C8C9E85F3A5B1F35DC5386FC0DED6699" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_C650F1734CC84D68C9B486E907E44F47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_C650F1734CC84D68C9B486E907E44F47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_0A87766204667EC523AA86E907E40CC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_0A87766204667EC523AA86E907E40CC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_725FCBE1C53EB617561986E907E4FFD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_725FCBE1C53EB617561986E907E4FFD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_F0E696EE6DFD4B1D200086E907E421D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_F0E696EE6DFD4B1D200086E907E421D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_A915F11C53789FCA115286E907E54DF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_A915F11C53789FCA115286E907E54DF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TrustSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_TrustSecuritiesMember_402D65DDC2A7634AE91D86E907E59025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_csv_TrustSecuritiesMember_402D65DDC2A7634AE91D86E907E59025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember_041AC44680CFA3F1514986E907E5186C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_003FCC07ACD8E1A969EC86E907E451DE" xlink:to="loc_csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember_041AC44680CFA3F1514986E907E5186C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_C66C48B601C24E6D73B986E907E5BC2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_C66C48B601C24E6D73B986E907E5BC2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_52BC4248B4ECAA73A89586E907E5BFC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_52BC4248B4ECAA73A89586E907E5BFC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1_C8556BE655E309ED2A9E86E907E5875C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1_C8556BE655E309ED2A9E86E907E5875C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_0A77BEEF9D3D79A6DB9786E907E53DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_0A77BEEF9D3D79A6DB9786E907E53DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation" xlink:label="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_1AD247D5896A987C75BD86E907E53593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:to="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_1AD247D5896A987C75BD86E907E53593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent_B734FC17CA6EA815546586E907E59917" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_8BD7ACC104EC129FD22186E907E539DC" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent_B734FC17CA6EA815546586E907E59917" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsCostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_ED76A956DF4D457C0BD6603324AE6767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_ED76A956DF4D457C0BD6603324AE6767" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_00D7E9FAFBEC1A94733B603324AF9710" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_ED76A956DF4D457C0BD6603324AE6767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_00D7E9FAFBEC1A94733B603324AF9710" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_859483D9B88BC3C58F18603324AF634C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_00D7E9FAFBEC1A94733B603324AF9710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_859483D9B88BC3C58F18603324AF634C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_859483D9B88BC3C58F18603324AF634C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_00D7E9FAFBEC1A94733B603324AF9710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_859483D9B88BC3C58F18603324AF634C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_689FDFFB27D76AF071A6603324AF591C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_859483D9B88BC3C58F18603324AF634C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_689FDFFB27D76AF071A6603324AF591C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_11A84D847797F54681FF603324AF98F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_ED76A956DF4D457C0BD6603324AE6767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_11A84D847797F54681FF603324AF98F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_11A84D847797F54681FF603324AF98F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_11A84D847797F54681FF603324AF98F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_07DBE0B6BB3A5DA48154603324AFF9D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_07DBE0B6BB3A5DA48154603324AFF9D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_576D9201F4A43A47833B603324AF9459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_576D9201F4A43A47833B603324AF9459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_7F3CE41E9935A0C5D4A1603324AF5E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_7F3CE41E9935A0C5D4A1603324AF5E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_18101770DA5D96579A37603324AFF2CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_18101770DA5D96579A37603324AFF2CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_4C913EB5C08F85CE2CBF603324AF4CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_4C913EB5C08F85CE2CBF603324AF4CDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_F684AD0A8A14F441359D603324AF7635" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_F684AD0A8A14F441359D603324AF7635" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesOtherMember_8493423C64E9828AA27C603324AF9F89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesOtherMember_8493423C64E9828AA27C603324AF9F89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_17A9A00560E1661EE570603324AF5A15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_17A9A00560E1661EE570603324AF5A15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_FDD8C1226CF618B9CDA5603324AFBB62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_FDD8C1226CF618B9CDA5603324AFBB62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_51C20F1CF3D2E8DB08A8603324B04D3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_51C20F1CF3D2E8DB08A8603324B04D3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_D7EFBCE82109341E46C9603324B0A8CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_D7EFBCE82109341E46C9603324B0A8CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_A5684E42E076263AC3DD603324B03D0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_A5684E42E076263AC3DD603324B03D0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember_EC7F54A43B5C7FAD3A1A603324B01CAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A5C9FF28870FFB1FFAA7603324AFC0BF" xlink:to="loc_csv_AccruedInvestmentIncomeMember_EC7F54A43B5C7FAD3A1A603324B01CAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_FE7CCEB0832F31BDB387603324B0F0D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_FE7CCEB0832F31BDB387603324B0F0D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_D173E2FFBF233E60D3AD603324B06D3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_D173E2FFBF233E60D3AD603324B06D3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1_A85E9FD4C9243A657FFF603324B05E2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1_A85E9FD4C9243A657FFF603324B05E2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_0095837E06B3ACDC2FB5603324B0B531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_0095837E06B3ACDC2FB5603324B0B531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation" xlink:label="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_0BC2C8B920B73C1A81EA603324B0201C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:to="loc_csv_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentBeforeAllowanceForContractCancellation_0BC2C8B920B73C1A81EA603324B0201C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent_8A5DEFDD46F642D07F6B603324B0C11F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_CCA31791A4F6C4B8CAF4603324B05B04" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsFairMarketValueAsPercentageOfCostInPercent_8A5DEFDD46F642D07F6B603324B0C11F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPreneedCemeteryTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2FA57CB916851A5DB19844592565730F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_45F0F5B641AD604B43A544592565E397" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2FA57CB916851A5DB19844592565730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_45F0F5B641AD604B43A544592565E397" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA522920E706C83E9E9544592565F1FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_45F0F5B641AD604B43A544592565E397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA522920E706C83E9E9544592565F1FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_47A700776FF2A9C22D7D445925658016_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA522920E706C83E9E9544592565F1FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_47A700776FF2A9C22D7D445925658016_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_47A700776FF2A9C22D7D445925658016" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA522920E706C83E9E9544592565F1FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_47A700776FF2A9C22D7D445925658016" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_95C76197C688E2AE06CE445925651FE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_47A700776FF2A9C22D7D445925658016" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_95C76197C688E2AE06CE445925651FE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_9BD237541C6884D24A0E44592565705C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2FA57CB916851A5DB19844592565730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_9BD237541C6884D24A0E44592565705C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_E09C21AD218F73CE4D644459256500BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2FA57CB916851A5DB19844592565730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_E09C21AD218F73CE4D644459256500BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_19865FAE2245B95869DA445925659995" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2FA57CB916851A5DB19844592565730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_19865FAE2245B95869DA445925659995" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_4BFBB08FEB6340C66E304459256541C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2FA57CB916851A5DB19844592565730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_4BFBB08FEB6340C66E304459256541C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost_9325716F7F7056A1798544592565F2B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2FA57CB916851A5DB19844592565730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost_9325716F7F7056A1798544592565F2B5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_E823A1B9924DED849E4C1CB2E39FD02A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_18A6B440D44AFC28075F1CB2E39FC226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_E823A1B9924DED849E4C1CB2E39FD02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_18A6B440D44AFC28075F1CB2E39FC226" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_64CB25188FE3C9EEB21A1CB2E39FD14D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_18A6B440D44AFC28075F1CB2E39FC226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_64CB25188FE3C9EEB21A1CB2E39FD14D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_582A325D6231467535861CB2E39F82D3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_64CB25188FE3C9EEB21A1CB2E39FD14D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_582A325D6231467535861CB2E39F82D3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_582A325D6231467535861CB2E39F82D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_64CB25188FE3C9EEB21A1CB2E39FD14D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_582A325D6231467535861CB2E39F82D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_F0B0D11590F951484C791CB2E39F6220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_582A325D6231467535861CB2E39F82D3" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_F0B0D11590F951484C791CB2E39F6220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet_5A9844F7D583FE4CB1651CB2E39FCBFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_E823A1B9924DED849E4C1CB2E39FD02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet_5A9844F7D583FE4CB1651CB2E39FCBFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_47010B15354F9F906F751CB2E39FE84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_E823A1B9924DED849E4C1CB2E39FD02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_47010B15354F9F906F751CB2E39FE84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_97AD16105B395DF1D4231CB2E39F4E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_E823A1B9924DED849E4C1CB2E39FD02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_97AD16105B395DF1D4231CB2E39F4E86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_1E50614B5DBBC37A2A071CB2E3A0C597" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_E823A1B9924DED849E4C1CB2E39FD02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_1E50614B5DBBC37A2A071CB2E3A0C597" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted_21B90CFBE1BEDC76877E1CB2E3A04B85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_E823A1B9924DED849E4C1CB2E39FD02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted_21B90CFBE1BEDC76877E1CB2E3A04B85" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_14596A7F300AD8FCD1B9174638635B60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_92E44E379FBDDF7B8BB517463862DCA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_14596A7F300AD8FCD1B9174638635B60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_92E44E379FBDDF7B8BB517463862DCA2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_83EB6A73A842EAFB791F174638636C79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_92E44E379FBDDF7B8BB517463862DCA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_83EB6A73A842EAFB791F174638636C79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5059AB7CA457C68AB3891746386345D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_83EB6A73A842EAFB791F174638636C79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5059AB7CA457C68AB3891746386345D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5059AB7CA457C68AB3891746386345D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_83EB6A73A842EAFB791F174638636C79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5059AB7CA457C68AB3891746386345D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_8AE8CB8A07B87821F3B71746386367CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5059AB7CA457C68AB3891746386345D6" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_8AE8CB8A07B87821F3B71746386367CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet_A4CB29AECBF07759A30917463863DDF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_14596A7F300AD8FCD1B9174638635B60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet_A4CB29AECBF07759A30917463863DDF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_39276240DE15CEA7EE8C174638639136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_14596A7F300AD8FCD1B9174638635B60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_39276240DE15CEA7EE8C174638639136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_9AF16B06CAC4D2F9E37617463863CD83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_14596A7F300AD8FCD1B9174638635B60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_9AF16B06CAC4D2F9E37617463863CD83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_E3646CF41AA742B27EA017463863B659" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_14596A7F300AD8FCD1B9174638635B60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_E3646CF41AA742B27EA017463863B659" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted_1C372FFA3BD99C2D836817463863F959" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_14596A7F300AD8FCD1B9174638635B60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarketableSecuritiesRestricted_1C372FFA3BD99C2D836817463863F959" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsEstimatedMaturitiesOfFixedPreneedFuneralTrustIncomeSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_992A14B8AAA3A436A5DC2C0F66F96793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_62F7C19A3C27ADAB6C042C0F66F8189B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_992A14B8AAA3A436A5DC2C0F66F96793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_62F7C19A3C27ADAB6C042C0F66F8189B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AAB6AF78182E56396F9C2C0F66F91AE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_62F7C19A3C27ADAB6C042C0F66F8189B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AAB6AF78182E56396F9C2C0F66F91AE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_18DBFC07E8B47D23D38C2C0F66F9BF1A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AAB6AF78182E56396F9C2C0F66F91AE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_18DBFC07E8B47D23D38C2C0F66F9BF1A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_18DBFC07E8B47D23D38C2C0F66F9BF1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AAB6AF78182E56396F9C2C0F66F91AE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_18DBFC07E8B47D23D38C2C0F66F9BF1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_A27B4E47B4C3F16B23D52C0F66F983DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_18DBFC07E8B47D23D38C2C0F66F9BF1A" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_A27B4E47B4C3F16B23D52C0F66F983DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_6E460BCC6FA0007566ED2C0F66F9B08C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_992A14B8AAA3A436A5DC2C0F66F96793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_6E460BCC6FA0007566ED2C0F66F9B08C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_18959AB5FF1833E95D032C0F66F9DF9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_992A14B8AAA3A436A5DC2C0F66F96793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_18959AB5FF1833E95D032C0F66F9DF9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_329CE445C813DA908EAE2C0F66F96882" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_992A14B8AAA3A436A5DC2C0F66F96793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_329CE445C813DA908EAE2C0F66F96882" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_8F32B4FE16A4638757462C0F66F9F885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_992A14B8AAA3A436A5DC2C0F66F96793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_8F32B4FE16A4638757462C0F66F9F885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost_B00D7956A741D6E10B022C0F66F91025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_992A14B8AAA3A436A5DC2C0F66F96793" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost_B00D7956A741D6E10B022C0F66F91025" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnCemeteryMerchandiseAndServiceTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_372A3930EC1818376DA27B1F80384B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_372A3930EC1818376DA27B1F80384B20" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26E8BE2979E883731E617B1F80382523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_372A3930EC1818376DA27B1F80384B20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26E8BE2979E883731E617B1F80382523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D69A5772C790EA8A575D7B1F803842E0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26E8BE2979E883731E617B1F80382523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D69A5772C790EA8A575D7B1F803842E0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D69A5772C790EA8A575D7B1F803842E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_26E8BE2979E883731E617B1F80382523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D69A5772C790EA8A575D7B1F803842E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_69CDC9C4B00B6BEDA74A7B1F8039491E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D69A5772C790EA8A575D7B1F803842E0" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_69CDC9C4B00B6BEDA74A7B1F8039491E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E8C1457E3C8342AB43507B1F80396372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_372A3930EC1818376DA27B1F80384B20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E8C1457E3C8342AB43507B1F80396372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E8C1457E3C8342AB43507B1F80396372" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_E8C1457E3C8342AB43507B1F80396372" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_DFBA210BBD8727FEAFC67B1F803A6CA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_DFBA210BBD8727FEAFC67B1F803A6CA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_EE9466931D0892B882667B1F803A94DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_EE9466931D0892B882667B1F803A94DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember_64D567B2C404AD91E6E17B1F803AD778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177" xlink:to="loc_csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember_64D567B2C404AD91E6E17B1F803AD778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_71A835EC0F5019CE65BB7B1F803A5281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_138D76E46388A3CD8CC57B1F803A0177" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_71A835EC0F5019CE65BB7B1F803A5281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_755F7A0016D77F1392D87B1F803B038A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_755F7A0016D77F1392D87B1F803B038A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2_3DC14C05115B6DD369527B1F803BED32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2_3DC14C05115B6DD369527B1F803BED32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_8DCE0B44E7F1FD8909777B1F803B74F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_8DCE0B44E7F1FD8909777B1F803B74F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2_60AD6CE89C6DBAFF997A7B1F803BA499" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2_60AD6CE89C6DBAFF997A7B1F803BA499" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_6626D47EB36F15C841FF7B1F803C7459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_6626D47EB36F15C841FF7B1F803C7459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2_9297C5BF6FA913C2C8D27B1F803C08E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_BB1A00CEFC530C395C697B1F803BAD5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2_9297C5BF6FA913C2C8D27B1F803C08E0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPreneedTrustInvestmentsUnrealizedLossesOnPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_931BBC9C6E2032A26F4F7B1F7FC84F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_931BBC9C6E2032A26F4F7B1F7FC84F80" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81F76604626E790B05E87B1F7FC93945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_931BBC9C6E2032A26F4F7B1F7FC84F80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81F76604626E790B05E87B1F7FC93945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81F76604626E790B05E87B1F7FC93945" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81F76604626E790B05E87B1F7FC93945" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_8AAAAEB4971ACD21826A7B1F7FCAE4D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_8AAAAEB4971ACD21826A7B1F7FCAE4D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_48BFA00BF002F524E3387B1F7FCA3A99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_48BFA00BF002F524E3387B1F7FCA3A99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_14F46F0FFEC6522AFB6B7B1F7FCA5284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_14F46F0FFEC6522AFB6B7B1F7FCA5284" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreferredStockSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreferredStockSecuritiesMember_D24F3D7D8B6E5E87F22D7B1F7FCA1230" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreferredStockSecuritiesMember_D24F3D7D8B6E5E87F22D7B1F7FCA1230" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember_2EE4792B675FB3D7071D7B1F7FCBFDE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_csv_UsCommonStockSecuritiesMember_2EE4792B675FB3D7071D7B1F7FCBFDE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_8EB521FCD3EEC21818787B1F7FCB3504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_8EB521FCD3EEC21818787B1F7FCB3504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_EA386A463D9A953D51967B1F7FCBDF85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_EA386A463D9A953D51967B1F7FCBDF85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_3D98779BF3B4E7A7AD4E7B1F7FCB0DFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_C5425B2C3C90AA32BFAB7B1F7FC99047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_3D98779BF3B4E7A7AD4E7B1F7FCB0DFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7EF00B91C655002641CF7B1F7FCBC392" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsTable_931BBC9C6E2032A26F4F7B1F7FC84F80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7EF00B91C655002641CF7B1F7FCBC392" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CA55B932B4AD2DF59C677B1F7FCC57E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7EF00B91C655002641CF7B1F7FCBC392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CA55B932B4AD2DF59C677B1F7FCC57E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CA55B932B4AD2DF59C677B1F7FCC57E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7EF00B91C655002641CF7B1F7FCBC392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CA55B932B4AD2DF59C677B1F7FCC57E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_719BDBA83A3BFC31DFC47B1F7FCCC0F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CA55B932B4AD2DF59C677B1F7FCC57E4" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_719BDBA83A3BFC31DFC47B1F7FCCC0F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_22ECB5C84E7E01F5A8617B1F7FCCC5CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_22ECB5C84E7E01F5A8617B1F7FCCC5CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2_30A12B81529625A857907B1F7FCDB9AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2_30A12B81529625A857907B1F7FCDB9AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_0B08B680E9D4C30681B97B1F7FCDDB0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_0B08B680E9D4C30681B97B1F7FCDDB0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2_02E17829EE8BD5B40B9C7B1F7FCDC098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2_02E17829EE8BD5B40B9C7B1F7FCDC098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_2E76A0B83F79FBE52BC17B1F7FCE3787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_2E76A0B83F79FBE52BC17B1F7FCE3787" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2_1EC64FED8E6E2E5DD67B7B1F7FCEE9B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_E6EFC8D01E170D776B417B1F7FCCFBAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2_1EC64FED8E6E2E5DD67B7B1F7FCEE9B4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedCemeteryTrustsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D370763E5832760E304B2C0F66FED489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5C04B6D6B69A34F815BD2C0F66FEC74C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D370763E5832760E304B2C0F66FED489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5C04B6D6B69A34F815BD2C0F66FEC74C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_88038AE663D65CAB40A32C0F66FE4ECE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5C04B6D6B69A34F815BD2C0F66FEC74C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_88038AE663D65CAB40A32C0F66FE4ECE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8E9D3A327F6FF372ED702C0F66FE5AC3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_88038AE663D65CAB40A32C0F66FE4ECE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8E9D3A327F6FF372ED702C0F66FE5AC3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8E9D3A327F6FF372ED702C0F66FE5AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_88038AE663D65CAB40A32C0F66FE4ECE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8E9D3A327F6FF372ED702C0F66FE5AC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_C6CE7C42A8B679F1841D2C0F66FEA632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8E9D3A327F6FF372ED702C0F66FE5AC3" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_C6CE7C42A8B679F1841D2C0F66FEA632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_AA97C1E9E02675B3C81E2C0F66FE1B09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D370763E5832760E304B2C0F66FED489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_AA97C1E9E02675B3C81E2C0F66FE1B09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_F667877FEB95BB292CC62C0F66FE6BE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_D370763E5832760E304B2C0F66FED489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_F667877FEB95BB292CC62C0F66FE6BE0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsPurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedFuneralTrustsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3175852FCA2FA20F6D3A26170D9D701A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_58262B40FA8E95E038FE26170D9D1DBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3175852FCA2FA20F6D3A26170D9D701A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_58262B40FA8E95E038FE26170D9D1DBC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19053AF31B9E5ABB288726170D9D5A7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_58262B40FA8E95E038FE26170D9D1DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19053AF31B9E5ABB288726170D9D5A7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F6DB54EB1A3FF7AAD9826170D9D9363_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19053AF31B9E5ABB288726170D9D5A7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F6DB54EB1A3FF7AAD9826170D9D9363_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F6DB54EB1A3FF7AAD9826170D9D9363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_19053AF31B9E5ABB288726170D9D5A7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F6DB54EB1A3FF7AAD9826170D9D9363" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_B0B2F2924429994EDC5E26170D9DBDF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F6DB54EB1A3FF7AAD9826170D9D9363" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_B0B2F2924429994EDC5E26170D9DBDF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_1A18A8AA3393F16B32C526170D9DB092" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3175852FCA2FA20F6D3A26170D9D701A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_1A18A8AA3393F16B32C526170D9DB092" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_7DE6A82356A2DD7EE43C26170D9DCF87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_3175852FCA2FA20F6D3A26170D9D701A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_7DE6A82356A2DD7EE43C26170D9DCF87" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/PreneedTrustInvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_AE649D8E6C66471E9D096966806DFFAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_AE649D8E6C66471E9D096966806DFFAB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2482F3C7DF2F3D379D236960DCF3C5A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_AE649D8E6C66471E9D096966806DFFAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2482F3C7DF2F3D379D236960DCF3C5A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C52B3444DB9DBF11F9DD6960DD8AB703_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2482F3C7DF2F3D379D236960DCF3C5A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C52B3444DB9DBF11F9DD6960DD8AB703_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C52B3444DB9DBF11F9DD6960DD8AB703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2482F3C7DF2F3D379D236960DCF3C5A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C52B3444DB9DBF11F9DD6960DD8AB703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_A09FA33739E95F70593E69627D46A359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C52B3444DB9DBF11F9DD6960DD8AB703" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsMember_A09FA33739E95F70593E69627D46A359" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_7E0B6EA076C34F7E0FC1696138859881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C52B3444DB9DBF11F9DD6960DD8AB703" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsMember_7E0B6EA076C34F7E0FC1696138859881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ComponentsOfPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestments" xlink:label="loc_csv_ComponentsOfPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestments_FE53BDBC49E0B80C643E6960DC510592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_ComponentsOfPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestments_FE53BDBC49E0B80C643E6960DC510592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_CostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsTableTextBlock_9F243571B901ECF4F3196960DC51B54B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_CostAndFairMarketValuesAssociatedWithPreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsTableTextBlock_9F243571B901ECF4F3196960DC51B54B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_B0D7E6A2532AD9A4EE656960DC51B5C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_B0D7E6A2532AD9A4EE656960DC51B5C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_1B4284DB85029BA0126D6960DC51B560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTableTextBlock_1B4284DB85029BA0126D6960DC51B560" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsTableTextBlock_F418C2EA9F3854032FCC6960DC5268AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsTableTextBlock_F418C2EA9F3854032FCC6960DC5268AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedCemetaryTrustsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedCemetaryTrustsTableTextBlock_4F38C00BEC6E18C2C9B26960DC527277" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedCemetaryTrustsTableTextBlock_4F38C00BEC6E18C2C9B26960DC527277" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ComponentsOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestments" xlink:label="loc_csv_ComponentsOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestments_9675CFDFF6913CF949286960DC52B7C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_ComponentsOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestments_9675CFDFF6913CF949286960DC52B7C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ScheduleOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_ScheduleOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_789A446302D930CC64966960DC5211A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_ScheduleOfPreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_789A446302D930CC64966960DC5211A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_3BA1192A472650CA6E8B6960DC52958E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_3BA1192A472650CA6E8B6960DC52958E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsTableTextBlock_FA6B3153C7DF948DF32C6960DC520B14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustInvestmentSecurityTransactionsTableTextBlock_FA6B3153C7DF948DF32C6960DC520B14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedFuneralTrustsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedFuneralTrustsTableTextBlock_AFC5A47F62BC277E8E1E6960DC52C573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1515684AD3D6F947A77169670BF559BD" xlink:to="loc_csv_PurchasesAndSalesOfInvestmentsInPreneedFuneralTrustsTableTextBlock_AFC5A47F62BC277E8E1E6960DC52C573" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrusts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsReceivablesFromPreneedFuneralTrustFundsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsCompositionOfAssetHeldInTrustsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AssetsHeldInTrustLineItems" xlink:label="loc_csv_AssetsHeldInTrustLineItems_40AB80123EA3A694D77F177388FEBCA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AssetsHeldInTrustTableTable" xlink:label="loc_csv_AssetsHeldInTrustTableTable_CA3415CF86DD0D1EA272177388FDAB9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_csv_AssetsHeldInTrustLineItems_40AB80123EA3A694D77F177388FEBCA3" xlink:to="loc_csv_AssetsHeldInTrustTableTable_CA3415CF86DD0D1EA272177388FDAB9C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_3682591B88E5C1020DF9177388FD9169" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_csv_AssetsHeldInTrustTableTable_CA3415CF86DD0D1EA272177388FDAB9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_3682591B88E5C1020DF9177388FD9169" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_320F2A8A62FA6634BAB0177388FD9207_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_3682591B88E5C1020DF9177388FD9169" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_320F2A8A62FA6634BAB0177388FD9207_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_320F2A8A62FA6634BAB0177388FD9207" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_3682591B88E5C1020DF9177388FD9169" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_320F2A8A62FA6634BAB0177388FD9207" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_HistoricalCostBasisMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_HistoricalCostBasisMember_0A1B695268673A7AFCB9177388FD665C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_320F2A8A62FA6634BAB0177388FD9207" xlink:to="loc_csv_HistoricalCostBasisMember_0A1B695268673A7AFCB9177388FD665C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4EBB82BE08649B01FD92177388FD9F34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_320F2A8A62FA6634BAB0177388FD9207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4EBB82BE08649B01FD92177388FD9F34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7D706E271FF19199AF7C177388FD1401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_csv_AssetsHeldInTrustTableTable_CA3415CF86DD0D1EA272177388FDAB9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7D706E271FF19199AF7C177388FD1401" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7D706E271FF19199AF7C177388FD1401" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7D706E271FF19199AF7C177388FD1401" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_9E0FC9BDDC28D3AB3C42177388FD673B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_9E0FC9BDDC28D3AB3C42177388FD673B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember_AB03A7E8182B1CBCA8F7177388FDAC09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeInvestmentsMember_AB03A7E8182B1CBCA8F7177388FDAC09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_MutualFundsAndCommonStocksMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_MutualFundsAndCommonStocksMember_4D3A52996BBEBAB61B5A177388FE6482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0" xlink:to="loc_csv_MutualFundsAndCommonStocksMember_4D3A52996BBEBAB61B5A177388FE6482" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_AnnuitiesMember_8F995B56F41C10F28E4B177388FE8C7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_79291C8CC98183D7BAD8177388FD35F0" xlink:to="loc_csv_AnnuitiesMember_8F995B56F41C10F28E4B177388FE8C7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_5CACEB511BA159FCAEEF177388FEC307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_AssetsHeldInTrustLineItems_40AB80123EA3A694D77F177388FEBCA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_5CACEB511BA159FCAEEF177388FEC307" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ReceivablesFromPreneedTrustsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransaction" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransactionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_35D5CA682C21E32A9BF4640FA9C8F325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2BF87FBEDD658FC581B7640FA9C8399B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_35D5CA682C21E32A9BF4640FA9C8F325" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2BF87FBEDD658FC581B7640FA9C8399B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_E24EB9F915A8B87D4385640FA9C80C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_2BF87FBEDD658FC581B7640FA9C8399B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_E24EB9F915A8B87D4385640FA9C80C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_79870F87E57DABE92573640FA9C82544_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_E24EB9F915A8B87D4385640FA9C80C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_79870F87E57DABE92573640FA9C82544_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_79870F87E57DABE92573640FA9C82544" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_E24EB9F915A8B87D4385640FA9C80C40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_79870F87E57DABE92573640FA9C82544" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImmediateFamilyMemberOfManagementOrPrincipalOwnerMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImmediateFamilyMemberOfManagementOrPrincipalOwnerMember_D55D981168D341DFFFCD640FA9C8D1B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_79870F87E57DABE92573640FA9C82544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImmediateFamilyMemberOfManagementOrPrincipalOwnerMember_D55D981168D341DFFFCD640FA9C8D1B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalariesAndWages" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalariesAndWages_914C8D5DA7148C9E2173640FA9C8A055" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_35D5CA682C21E32A9BF4640FA9C8F325" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalariesAndWages_914C8D5DA7148C9E2173640FA9C8A055" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityAssumptionsUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_491505045432A76274C56ABFFA10A2C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1037620559FC5184C7716ABFFA0E297E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_491505045432A76274C56ABFFA10A2C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1037620559FC5184C7716ABFFA0E297E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_09645DE476F972A631266ABFFA0E0EEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1037620559FC5184C7716ABFFA0E297E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_09645DE476F972A631266ABFFA0E0EEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B426EC02A2E5503872126ABFFA0FB8E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_09645DE476F972A631266ABFFA0E0EEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B426EC02A2E5503872126ABFFA0FB8E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B426EC02A2E5503872126ABFFA0FB8E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_09645DE476F972A631266ABFFA0E0EEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B426EC02A2E5503872126ABFFA0FB8E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_7DB8CF9AC59947F5B3916ABFFA0F8249" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B426EC02A2E5503872126ABFFA0FB8E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_7DB8CF9AC59947F5B3916ABFFA0F8249" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_C1C01FB939A7E22B01AB6ABFFA121E72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_491505045432A76274C56ABFFA10A2C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_C1C01FB939A7E22B01AB6ABFFA121E72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_C790A3DE4203CFBB45AA6ABFFA12DA0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_491505045432A76274C56ABFFA10A2C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_C790A3DE4203CFBB45AA6ABFFA12DA0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_89BE63084AC972D9CE086ABFFA13EE87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_491505045432A76274C56ABFFA10A2C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_89BE63084AC972D9CE086ABFFA13EE87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_0B00A3561DB6AA86B1AF6ABFFA13EBB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_491505045432A76274C56ABFFA10A2C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_0B00A3561DB6AA86B1AF6ABFFA13EBB9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityFourQuarterlyAssumptionsForFairValueOfRightOptionToPurchaseSharesUnderEsppDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F08B5778FB3F35037F90699E47D4CA87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E774695DE520053DC3D3699E47D4F280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F08B5778FB3F35037F90699E47D4CA87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E774695DE520053DC3D3699E47D4F280" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_56E66DB226FF572D8AC7699E47D47286" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E774695DE520053DC3D3699E47D4F280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_56E66DB226FF572D8AC7699E47D47286" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6212F433240C454288E3699E47D416DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_56E66DB226FF572D8AC7699E47D47286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6212F433240C454288E3699E47D416DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6212F433240C454288E3699E47D416DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_56E66DB226FF572D8AC7699E47D47286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6212F433240C454288E3699E47D416DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_41C70F77A718BDCA1A8E699E47D4C6B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6212F433240C454288E3699E47D416DD" xlink:to="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_41C70F77A718BDCA1A8E699E47D4C6B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_9BEBA3D7A51FC26B8282699E47D4FC21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F08B5778FB3F35037F90699E47D4CA87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_9BEBA3D7A51FC26B8282699E47D4FC21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_EA552A54D2BD3A0FFF49699E47D5AA06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F08B5778FB3F35037F90699E47D4CA87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_EA552A54D2BD3A0FFF49699E47D5AA06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_CE6F2ADB162E4B4FE72D699E47D5C6D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F08B5778FB3F35037F90699E47D4CA87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_CE6F2ADB162E4B4FE72D699E47D5C6D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_7228C120D770A27DDC59699E47D59AD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F08B5778FB3F35037F90699E47D4CA87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_7228C120D770A27DDC59699E47D59AD8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CD243B7FB52AB1155AA26A96F0AA02E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CD243B7FB52AB1155AA26A96F0AA02E3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTitleOfIndividualAxis_87E03EFBF0E1F8621D856A96F0AAB09D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CD243B7FB52AB1155AA26A96F0AA02E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTitleOfIndividualAxis_87E03EFBF0E1F8621D856A96F0AAB09D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTitleOfIndividualAxis_87E03EFBF0E1F8621D856A96F0AAB09D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTitleOfIndividualAxis_87E03EFBF0E1F8621D856A96F0AAB09D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CompensationAndCorporateGovernanceCommitteeChairmanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CompensationAndCorporateGovernanceCommitteeChairmanMember_A9C9457619E01709BD7E6A96F0AC28F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F" xlink:to="loc_csv_CompensationAndCorporateGovernanceCommitteeChairmanMember_A9C9457619E01709BD7E6A96F0AC28F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_AuditCommitteeChairmanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_AuditCommitteeChairmanMember_86AE980CC815033A65766A96F0AC9A53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F" xlink:to="loc_csv_AuditCommitteeChairmanMember_86AE980CC815033A65766A96F0AC9A53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember_01189CD6D3097AFAF5166A96F0AE2C42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember_01189CD6D3097AFAF5166A96F0AE2C42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectorMember_DB95A8B51C07996A136A6A96F0AE6DAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_6632F062F8704C4D922D6A96F0ABE66F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectorMember_DB95A8B51C07996A136A6A96F0AE6DAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_636448660A14B807FA056A96F0AF97C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CD243B7FB52AB1155AA26A96F0AA02E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_636448660A14B807FA056A96F0AF97C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_636448660A14B807FA056A96F0AF97C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_636448660A14B807FA056A96F0AF97C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_1FFF353C38DB4CCF08C46A96F0B0A2A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_1FFF353C38DB4CCF08C46A96F0B0A2A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_5E57B35DFDDB4745C8966A96F0B1156E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F" xlink:to="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_5E57B35DFDDB4745C8966A96F0B1156E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_D65C06A93017981998496A96F0B1B537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_D65C06A93017981998496A96F0B1B537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_8B17877FEF437AD9DE086A96F0B28319" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4F20B68EF72750B7FA9D6A96F0AF547F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_8B17877FEF437AD9DE086A96F0B28319" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_903B2531A75A755404EC6A96F0B81224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CD243B7FB52AB1155AA26A96F0AA02E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_903B2531A75A755404EC6A96F0B81224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_48EED5B47D4D9D5E6DF46A96F0B81907_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_903B2531A75A755404EC6A96F0B81224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_48EED5B47D4D9D5E6DF46A96F0B81907_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_48EED5B47D4D9D5E6DF46A96F0B81907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_903B2531A75A755404EC6A96F0B81224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_48EED5B47D4D9D5E6DF46A96F0B81907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AEED57D3F1FC2AD228426A96F0B88B07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_48EED5B47D4D9D5E6DF46A96F0B81907" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AEED57D3F1FC2AD228426A96F0B88B07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1EDF6348091D021C0B626A96F0B9170D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_48EED5B47D4D9D5E6DF46A96F0B81907" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1EDF6348091D021C0B626A96F0B9170D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardContractualTermOfAward" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardContractualTermOfAward_25666A3BD1A0DB92D3066A96F0B9AF45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardContractualTermOfAward_25666A3BD1A0DB92D3066A96F0B9AF45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_55F8EF149EF75A1F51BC6A96F0BA2065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_55F8EF149EF75A1F51BC6A96F0BA2065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_EBF2E508A0DCCEB77A656A96F0BBEA14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_EBF2E508A0DCCEB77A656A96F0BBEA14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_742109B7ADA49A6CB23A6A96F0BBFDA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_742109B7ADA49A6CB23A6A96F0BBFDA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateGrantDateFairValue_DFDE7DDB979F523E92756A96F0BBC04A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateGrantDateFairValue_DFDE7DDB979F523E92756A96F0BBC04A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_8D42A68137F2552B3BB86A96F0BCEDE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_8D42A68137F2552B3BB86A96F0BCEDE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_31F9EC3D7A7F33FF63D06A96F0BC9F10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_31F9EC3D7A7F33FF63D06A96F0BC9F10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_147F32A533CC5F229A2E6A96F0BC59B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_147F32A533CC5F229A2E6A96F0BC59B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue_A45689FF5B2B6D67D23D6AAF33FEB269" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue_A45689FF5B2B6D67D23D6AAF33FEB269" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_22D0A56BCFB9082E40CA6A96F0BC3A0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_22D0A56BCFB9082E40CA6A96F0BC3A0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_2D32A7BC30D3E3C7C6E86A96F0BD8BEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_2D32A7BC30D3E3C7C6E86A96F0BD8BEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_561EA86E11ADBA8D50E76A96F0BDBF9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_561EA86E11ADBA8D50E76A96F0BDBF9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DirectorCompensationAnnualCashRetainer" xlink:label="loc_csv_DirectorCompensationAnnualCashRetainer_43C8830066F573B25AD46A96F0BD9E6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_DirectorCompensationAnnualCashRetainer_43C8830066F573B25AD46A96F0BD9E6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DirectorCompensationAnnualEquityRetainer" xlink:label="loc_csv_DirectorCompensationAnnualEquityRetainer_723B3C854E78B19703EF6A96F0BEC1E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_DirectorCompensationAnnualEquityRetainer_723B3C854E78B19703EF6A96F0BEC1E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsAnnualVestingPercentage" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsAnnualVestingPercentage_30E743CF84D1B75499666A96F0C39622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsAnnualVestingPercentage_30E743CF84D1B75499666A96F0C39622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_02ED22606AE071BDC49E6A96F0C3E39F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_02ED22606AE071BDC49E6A96F0C3E39F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_6B006C615EFB61AAD75B6A96F0C4AC00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_6B006C615EFB61AAD75B6A96F0C4AC00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_2E3CFAD1F53FAE7A16AB6A96F0C48227" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_2E3CFAD1F53FAE7A16AB6A96F0C48227" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanWeightedAveragePurchasePriceOfSharesPurchased" xlink:label="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanWeightedAveragePurchasePriceOfSharesPurchased_7C66BDFC9D9E1BDD4F8C6A96F0C444D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanWeightedAveragePurchasePriceOfSharesPurchased_7C66BDFC9D9E1BDD4F8C6A96F0C444D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPreformanceSharesNumberOfRequiredDaysOverHurdlePriceOutOfMeasurementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPreformanceSharesNumberOfRequiredDaysOverHurdlePriceOutOfMeasurementPeriod_9F1B760733A5C58194906A96F0C560DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPreformanceSharesNumberOfRequiredDaysOverHurdlePriceOutOfMeasurementPeriod_9F1B760733A5C58194906A96F0C560DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPreformanceSharesMeasurmentPeriodForNumberOfRequiredDaysOverHurdlePrice" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPreformanceSharesMeasurmentPeriodForNumberOfRequiredDaysOverHurdlePrice_1148F4C0B99CE37E81356A96F0C62334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPreformanceSharesMeasurmentPeriodForNumberOfRequiredDaysOverHurdlePrice_1148F4C0B99CE37E81356A96F0C62334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPerformanceSharesPurchasePriceVariableOptionFairMarketValuePlus" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPerformanceSharesPurchasePriceVariableOptionFairMarketValuePlus_5577C8D8EE72758969676A96F0C69FB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPerformanceSharesPurchasePriceVariableOptionFairMarketValuePlus_5577C8D8EE72758969676A96F0C69FB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPerformanceSharesPurchasePriceFixedOption" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPerformanceSharesPurchasePriceFixedOption_CADE0943A5884655866A6A96F0C67259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedAwardPerformanceSharesPurchasePriceFixedOption_CADE0943A5884655866A6A96F0C67259" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted_E49B39E610F87B3590CD6A96F0C6C496" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted_E49B39E610F87B3590CD6A96F0C6C496" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsAggregateGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsAggregateGrantDateFairValue_EDE0D1205C2AADB729D86A96F0C71793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsAggregateGrantDateFairValue_EDE0D1205C2AADB729D86A96F0C71793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsPerformanceHurdlePrice" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsPerformanceHurdlePrice_59390FD0BDB454CB08A16A96F0C74B23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsPerformanceHurdlePrice_59390FD0BDB454CB08A16A96F0C74B23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_5C27B9C6CF7D3388875B6A96F0C77E53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_5C27B9C6CF7D3388875B6A96F0C77E53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_10B2192FC8F93384C5C66A96F0C8AC6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_10B2192FC8F93384C5C66A96F0C8AC6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_0A1785A3658C89E319226A96F0C8CE42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_0A1785A3658C89E319226A96F0C8CE42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_DC0B2B002329EAABF89C6A96F0C8E195" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_DC0B2B002329EAABF89C6A96F0C8E195" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsVolatilityWeightingOfYearBetweenAugust2008AndAugust2009" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsVolatilityWeightingOfYearBetweenAugust2008AndAugust2009_AC351F818661BDFB032A6A96F0C980F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsVolatilityWeightingOfYearBetweenAugust2008AndAugust2009_AC351F818661BDFB032A6A96F0C980F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAllowanceForForfeitureRate" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAllowanceForForfeitureRate_3B854B104C4DB273E53A6A96F0C9CAB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAllowanceForForfeitureRate_3B854B104C4DB273E53A6A96F0C9CAB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DirectorsCompensationEachIndependentDirectorEachMeeting" xlink:label="loc_csv_DirectorsCompensationEachIndependentDirectorEachMeeting_67E7C71C3EC9DBD7663A6A96F0C93FB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_DirectorsCompensationEachIndependentDirectorEachMeeting_67E7C71C3EC9DBD7663A6A96F0C93FB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DirectorsCompensationOtherMembersAndChaimenEachMeeting" xlink:label="loc_csv_DirectorsCompensationOtherMembersAndChaimenEachMeeting_FC9CB6F913863B6B70856A96F0C9419C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_DirectorsCompensationOtherMembersAndChaimenEachMeeting_FC9CB6F913863B6B70856A96F0C9419C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_6C6B097B2B0ACA138CDF6A96F0CAF6F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationGross_6C6B097B2B0ACA138CDF6A96F0CAF6F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateGrantDateFairValue_C82727F4A83F0941B4776A96F0D04927" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="36" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateGrantDateFairValue_C82727F4A83F0941B4776A96F0D04927" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesVestedImmediately" xlink:label="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesVestedImmediately_7BF4D63459677243F4F96A96F0D06A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="37" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesVestedImmediately_7BF4D63459677243F4F96A96F0D06A57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DirectorsCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_csv_DirectorsCompensationExpense_1BAC614D8CA4BCB1B8336A96F0D09B0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="38" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_csv_DirectorsCompensationExpense_1BAC614D8CA4BCB1B8336A96F0D09B0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_1C5887C14B9C24A315866A96F0D1815F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="39" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_1C5887C14B9C24A315866A96F0D1815F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_12FE6A34510AE24BE16E6A96F0D256CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_12FE6A34510AE24BE16E6A96F0D256CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount_7F064389EF2FA1FCDBB16A96F0D24A34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="41" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount_7F064389EF2FA1FCDBB16A96F0D24A34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_19D96EC7F7320794BC986A96F0D3B3E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="42" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_19D96EC7F7320794BC986A96F0D3B3E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_878485885B1D02BA02656A96F0D3AD30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="43" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_720AFFA42584776642AA6A96F0B96183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_878485885B1D02BA02656A96F0D3AD30" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityOutstandingStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_839CFA48EB634AC9A2EC1773887E18DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_839CFA48EB634AC9A2EC1773887E18DB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_0A15A632EE57339BD0171773887EB213" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_839CFA48EB634AC9A2EC1773887E18DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_0A15A632EE57339BD0171773887EB213" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_0A15A632EE57339BD0171773887EB213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_0A15A632EE57339BD0171773887EB213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RangeOfExercisePricesThreeDollarsAndTwelveCentsThroughFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesThreeDollarsAndTwelveCentsThroughFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsMember_D485D323539D01FD79F61773887EF180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:to="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesThreeDollarsAndTwelveCentsThroughFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsMember_D485D323539D01FD79F61773887EF180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsThroughFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsThroughFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsMember_420D88AD11F65A0131D11773887E19F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:to="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsThroughFourDollarsAndSeventyEightCentsMember_420D88AD11F65A0131D11773887E19F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFourDollarsAndSeventyNineCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFourDollarsAndSeventyNineCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsMember_ED135790400AEB894E7D1773887EAF96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:to="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFourDollarsAndSeventyNineCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsMember_ED135790400AEB894E7D1773887EAF96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsMember_5CA2CCFAC72E37C1D8471773887ECAEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:to="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndSeventyCentsMember_5CA2CCFAC72E37C1D8471773887ECAEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsMember_3532E00BF2F740EDADDA1773887E6530" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:to="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsMember_3532E00BF2F740EDADDA1773887E6530" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RangeOfExercisePricesThreeDollarsAndTwelveCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesThreeDollarsAndTwelveCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsMember_D2DC64F085FD363237A41773887E219C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_165E40452C40FDC159511773887E769A" xlink:to="loc_csv_RangeOfExercisePricesThreeDollarsAndTwelveCentsThroughFiveDollarsAndNintyFourCentsMember_D2DC64F085FD363237A41773887E219C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_D7050DBB7A87BF5933531773887FC1A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_D7050DBB7A87BF5933531773887FC1A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_63204A3648AE7CF160581773887FB8E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_63204A3648AE7CF160581773887FB8E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions_3A4293BFFFA01FA679031773887F3EA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions_3A4293BFFFA01FA679031773887F3EA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_122A94885AE3C8148AB51773887F7F81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_122A94885AE3C8148AB51773887F7F81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1_86D35C7992A51E07A3C71773887FA577" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1_86D35C7992A51E07A3C71773887FA577" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions_16B22BE46C3937F220941773887F7AEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions_16B22BE46C3937F220941773887F7AEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1_DA21BC51FF1D54C4B8201773887F95C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLineItems_0540002607A5C41387101773887FA00C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1_DA21BC51FF1D54C4B8201773887F95C2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityStatusOfStockBasedCompensationPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0D14CD5A8379A0EABF82BAD550A70685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_88D47356D68F0BAB5601BAD550A77761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0D14CD5A8379A0EABF82BAD550A70685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_88D47356D68F0BAB5601BAD550A77761" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F36611C7878BBB0D662CBAD550A7AED3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_88D47356D68F0BAB5601BAD550A77761" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F36611C7878BBB0D662CBAD550A7AED3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F36611C7878BBB0D662CBAD550A7AED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F36611C7878BBB0D662CBAD550A7AED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NineteenNinetyFivePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_NineteenNinetyFivePlanMember_DDC0E48176B8A0398691BAD550A79797" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209" xlink:to="loc_csv_NineteenNinetyFivePlanMember_DDC0E48176B8A0398691BAD550A79797" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NineteenNinetySixPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_NineteenNinetySixPlanMember_0C61847C670793BD245BBAD550A7275B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209" xlink:to="loc_csv_NineteenNinetySixPlanMember_0C61847C670793BD245BBAD550A7275B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_DirectorsPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_DirectorsPlanMember_A4A5CF9BD34E60BADE3BBAD550A76709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209" xlink:to="loc_csv_DirectorsPlanMember_A4A5CF9BD34E60BADE3BBAD550A76709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TwoThousandSixAmendedAndRestatedPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_TwoThousandSixAmendedAndRestatedPlanMember_32919EED6F29E7456143BAD550A7650A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_88A867B7D86DFBA014CCBAD550A7F209" xlink:to="loc_csv_TwoThousandSixAmendedAndRestatedPlanMember_32919EED6F29E7456143BAD550A7650A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_F38B974D6F3153B439A5BAD550A7D7B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0D14CD5A8379A0EABF82BAD550A70685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_F38B974D6F3153B439A5BAD550A7D7B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_5818745A95C24D9D8A51BAF598803291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0D14CD5A8379A0EABF82BAD550A70685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_5818745A95C24D9D8A51BAF598803291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_75D025053B7333F76515BAD550A755CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0D14CD5A8379A0EABF82BAD550A70685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_75D025053B7333F76515BAD550A755CA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquitySummaryOfOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_A1F4262158DB062C7B697B1F7BD78475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_000CC02DC40C805783B67B1F7BD6D165" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_A1F4262158DB062C7B697B1F7BD78475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_000CC02DC40C805783B67B1F7BD6D165" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_DBE914FA8B620BA36CAA7B1F7BD6D1A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_000CC02DC40C805783B67B1F7BD6D165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_DBE914FA8B620BA36CAA7B1F7BD6D1A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A9DB3B0ECE118EDE5A4F7B1F7BD61B73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_DBE914FA8B620BA36CAA7B1F7BD6D1A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A9DB3B0ECE118EDE5A4F7B1F7BD61B73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A9DB3B0ECE118EDE5A4F7B1F7BD61B73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_DBE914FA8B620BA36CAA7B1F7BD6D1A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_A9DB3B0ECE118EDE5A4F7B1F7BD61B73" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquitySummaryOfUnvestedRestrictedStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4B03F4727F2001A6C6D5BBE7A88AC320" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A1A819CC5ED6FE4158AFBBE61314F40C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4B03F4727F2001A6C6D5BBE7A88AC320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A1A819CC5ED6FE4158AFBBE61314F40C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2E92643081A13D08EC4EBBCF906C8346" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A1A819CC5ED6FE4158AFBBE61314F40C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2E92643081A13D08EC4EBBCF906C8346" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B94ACA473EDF94718A41BBD4347B8CB1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2E92643081A13D08EC4EBBCF906C8346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B94ACA473EDF94718A41BBD4347B8CB1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B94ACA473EDF94718A41BBD4347B8CB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2E92643081A13D08EC4EBBCF906C8346" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B94ACA473EDF94718A41BBD4347B8CB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_CD837022F6A035049F06BBD3D13D8FE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B94ACA473EDF94718A41BBD4347B8CB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_CD837022F6A035049F06BBD3D13D8FE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_896DFF98DA70E65B8B1EBBCF906C2682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4B03F4727F2001A6C6D5BBE7A88AC320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_896DFF98DA70E65B8B1EBBCF906C2682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_E5ABC07DDD08265A2973BBCF906CED00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_896DFF98DA70E65B8B1EBBCF906C2682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_E5ABC07DDD08265A2973BBCF906CED00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_20C2BC89D23F7DC2C8BFBBCF906C5F9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_896DFF98DA70E65B8B1EBBCF906C2682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_20C2BC89D23F7DC2C8BFBBCF906C5F9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_EA61F288D6B3D8C6016EBBCF906C0D15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_896DFF98DA70E65B8B1EBBCF906C2682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_EA61F288D6B3D8C6016EBBCF906C0D15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_29BFE4EE889478904D03BBCF906CC261" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_896DFF98DA70E65B8B1EBBCF906C2682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_29BFE4EE889478904D03BBCF906CC261" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_B624345556470C4C124BBBCF906CCE5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4B03F4727F2001A6C6D5BBE7A88AC320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_B624345556470C4C124BBBCF906CCE5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C4F8A32E289D171E7E32BBCF906DFC18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_B624345556470C4C124BBBCF906CCE5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C4F8A32E289D171E7E32BBCF906DFC18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6C2A281401369D9FD637BBCF906D6FA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_B624345556470C4C124BBBCF906CCE5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6C2A281401369D9FD637BBCF906D6FA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C998A25D3349B26A5529BBCF906D1714" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_B624345556470C4C124BBBCF906CCE5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C998A25D3349B26A5529BBCF906D1714" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CCE384D657E066306F74BBCF906D84F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_B624345556470C4C124BBBCF906CCE5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CCE384D657E066306F74BBCF906D84F3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DF8E0614BF36D5FD8A666AC9693C8A98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E144C9873947FEAAF09D6AC93192AF63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DF8E0614BF36D5FD8A666AC9693C8A98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E144C9873947FEAAF09D6AC93192AF63" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_504F25E49B6D6D2400556AC8178A05D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E144C9873947FEAAF09D6AC93192AF63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_504F25E49B6D6D2400556AC8178A05D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E69356CE9DBA4DE3EB9C6AC818489208_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_504F25E49B6D6D2400556AC8178A05D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E69356CE9DBA4DE3EB9C6AC818489208_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E69356CE9DBA4DE3EB9C6AC818489208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_504F25E49B6D6D2400556AC8178A05D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E69356CE9DBA4DE3EB9C6AC818489208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_7AD6895C0928FD677D236ACA3C853D37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E69356CE9DBA4DE3EB9C6AC818489208" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_7AD6895C0928FD677D236ACA3C853D37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_B7A4E9196F4C6552DA9F6AC88AC79D63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_E69356CE9DBA4DE3EB9C6AC818489208" xlink:to="loc_csv_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_B7A4E9196F4C6552DA9F6AC88AC79D63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_StatusOfStockBasedCompensationPlansTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_csv_StatusOfStockBasedCompensationPlansTableTextBlock_FA8A649C41E1E46345E56AC6ADD9550C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DF8E0614BF36D5FD8A666AC9693C8A98" xlink:to="loc_csv_StatusOfStockBasedCompensationPlansTableTextBlock_FA8A649C41E1E46345E56AC6ADD9550C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_4A27ABE88EB47C8D0F7D6AC6ADD9BBC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DF8E0614BF36D5FD8A666AC9693C8A98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_4A27ABE88EB47C8D0F7D6AC6ADD9BBC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock_444E665C974FD0666E4D6AC6ADD98EEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DF8E0614BF36D5FD8A666AC9693C8A98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock_444E665C974FD0666E4D6AC6ADD98EEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_12E045A72D75691774976AC6ADD99EF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DF8E0614BF36D5FD8A666AC9693C8A98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_12E045A72D75691774976AC6ADD99EF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_382E9117A8F5704266FB6AC6ADD99FF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_DF8E0614BF36D5FD8A666AC9693C8A98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_382E9117A8F5704266FB6AC6ADD99FF0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SubsequentEventsSubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SubsequentEventsSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_AE70EEEF772E87179932126E2E3C853C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_1B8C800CE7B2B71B2BFE126DE5EC08EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_AE70EEEF772E87179932126E2E3C853C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_1B8C800CE7B2B71B2BFE126DE5EC08EE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A3853D5A0E506BCF455126D5ACB2403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_1B8C800CE7B2B71B2BFE126DE5EC08EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A3853D5A0E506BCF455126D5ACB2403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_DD3B5352047F2C8C3365126D5ACED922_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A3853D5A0E506BCF455126D5ACB2403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_DD3B5352047F2C8C3365126D5ACED922_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_DD3B5352047F2C8C3365126D5ACED922" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8A3853D5A0E506BCF455126D5ACB2403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_DD3B5352047F2C8C3365126D5ACED922" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FBBEE930BAEC3F2CA76C126D8532F445" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_DD3B5352047F2C8C3365126D5ACED922" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FBBEE930BAEC3F2CA76C126D8532F445" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_4AA5FC1F60A37C82E618125E1B58F162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_AE70EEEF772E87179932126E2E3C853C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment_4AA5FC1F60A37C82E618125E1B58F162" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalDisclosureForConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_180F98EA107C25E414D936C3E75C8CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_180F98EA107C25E414D936C3E75C8CDF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0061B02BED0359C93A7636C3E75C204C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_180F98EA107C25E414D936C3E75C8CDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0061B02BED0359C93A7636C3E75C204C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0061B02BED0359C93A7636C3E75C204C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0061B02BED0359C93A7636C3E75C204C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralTrustMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustMember_D8939D4587FA6A6B8C7836C3E75C8E1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralTrustMember_D8939D4587FA6A6B8C7836C3E75C8E1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustMember_3DDD4ACD23F6CFF347ED36C3E75C3C85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryTrustMember_3DDD4ACD23F6CFF347ED36C3E75C3C85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PerpetualCareTrustMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustMember_0F95D79F40F24094CCE436C3E75CE69C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PerpetualCareTrustMember_0F95D79F40F24094CCE436C3E75CE69C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedFuneralReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralReceivablesMember_FC71BB376E816A734AF536C3E75CEF17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedFuneralReceivablesMember_FC71BB376E816A734AF536C3E75CEF17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCemeteryReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryReceivablesMember_67C5BD4679CF117E725036C3E75CF7AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E6A7813D893CA190FE0436C3E75CAF2C" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCemeteryReceivablesMember_67C5BD4679CF117E725036C3E75CF7AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CashPaidForInterestAndFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_csv_CashPaidForInterestAndFinancingCosts_4F33D3A93A57726B90FF36C3E75CEEA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_CashPaidForInterestAndFinancingCosts_4F33D3A93A57726B90FF36C3E75CEEA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_9182CF2995363741309E36C3E75D6387" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_9182CF2995363741309E36C3E75D6387" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FairValueOfStockAndStockOptionsIssuedToDirectorsOfficersAndCertainEmployees" xlink:label="loc_csv_FairValueOfStockAndStockOptionsIssuedToDirectorsOfficersAndCertainEmployees_E7A3107A46183B64866636C3E75D9AD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_FairValueOfStockAndStockOptionsIssuedToDirectorsOfficersAndCertainEmployees_E7A3107A46183B64866636C3E75D9AD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_RestrictedCommonStockWithheldForPayrollTaxes" xlink:label="loc_csv_RestrictedCommonStockWithheldForPayrollTaxes_14A41E4FD7BE875A562F36C3E75DC416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_RestrictedCommonStockWithheldForPayrollTaxes_14A41E4FD7BE875A562F36C3E75DC416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NetDepositsOrWithdrawalsIntoOrFromTrust" xlink:label="loc_csv_NetDepositsOrWithdrawalsIntoOrFromTrust_A194AD5D78430D7556A436C3E75D8B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_NetDepositsOrWithdrawalsIntoOrFromTrust_A194AD5D78430D7556A436C3E75D8B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NetIncreaseDecreaseInPreneedReceivables" xlink:label="loc_csv_NetIncreaseDecreaseInPreneedReceivables_6FE020420DAD60A7047036C3E75D6F45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_NetIncreaseDecreaseInPreneedReceivables_6FE020420DAD60A7047036C3E75D6F45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NetWithdrawalsOfReceivablesFromTrusts" xlink:label="loc_csv_NetWithdrawalsOfReceivablesFromTrusts_E6C4C68738845063CBCB36C3E75D5FC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_NetWithdrawalsOfReceivablesFromTrusts_E6C4C68738845063CBCB36C3E75D5FC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NetChangeInPreneedReceivablesIncreasingOrDecreasingDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_csv_NetChangeInPreneedReceivablesIncreasingOrDecreasingDeferredRevenue_FFB95C147B6F440CEDAB36C3E75D1682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_NetChangeInPreneedReceivablesIncreasingOrDecreasingDeferredRevenue_FFB95C147B6F440CEDAB36C3E75D1682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NetDepositsOrWthdrawalsIntoOrFromTrustIncreasingOrDecreasingDeferredPreneedReceipts" xlink:label="loc_csv_NetDepositsOrWthdrawalsIntoOrFromTrustIncreasingOrDecreasingDeferredPreneedReceipts_89B7EACB9FDB07143F0736C3E75D671E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_NetDepositsOrWthdrawalsIntoOrFromTrustIncreasingOrDecreasingDeferredPreneedReceipts_89B7EACB9FDB07143F0736C3E75D671E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_NetDepositsOrWithdrawalsInPerpetualCareTrustAccountsIncreasingDecreasingCareTrustsCorpus" xlink:label="loc_csv_NetDepositsOrWithdrawalsInPerpetualCareTrustAccountsIncreasingDecreasingCareTrustsCorpus_8EE01C9365DF1F9A77A136C3E7624BEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_BusinessSegmentLineItems_E475E58C2BFD14CB821236C3E75C57CD" xlink:to="loc_csv_NetDepositsOrWithdrawalsInPerpetualCareTrustAccountsIncreasingDecreasingCareTrustsCorpus_8EE01C9365DF1F9A77A136C3E7624BEA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfStatementOfOperationsInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfStatementOfOperationsInformationSupplementalDisclosureForConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BD18FACD26CE1CD4A943F8A14E612F8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C7747805829B4BF99FF6F8A14E60F55C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BD18FACD26CE1CD4A943F8A14E612F8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C7747805829B4BF99FF6F8A14E60F55C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TypeOfCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesAxis_D311BF86887C580E3B53F8A14E603E2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C7747805829B4BF99FF6F8A14E60F55C" xlink:to="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesAxis_D311BF86887C580E3B53F8A14E603E2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain_5E61F3BF955CD59C0931F8A14E60DB87_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesAxis_D311BF86887C580E3B53F8A14E603E2A" xlink:to="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain_5E61F3BF955CD59C0931F8A14E60DB87_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain_5E61F3BF955CD59C0931F8A14E60DB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesAxis_D311BF86887C580E3B53F8A14E603E2A" xlink:to="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain_5E61F3BF955CD59C0931F8A14E60DB87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_GoodsRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_GoodsRevenueMember_A29A8E9C4AA15E3568BAF8A14E60A51B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain_5E61F3BF955CD59C0931F8A14E60DB87" xlink:to="loc_csv_GoodsRevenueMember_A29A8E9C4AA15E3568BAF8A14E60A51B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ServiceRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_ServiceRevenueMember_EDCCD10FB37325C32294F8A14E605CFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain_5E61F3BF955CD59C0931F8A14E60DB87" xlink:to="loc_csv_ServiceRevenueMember_EDCCD10FB37325C32294F8A14E605CFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinancialRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinancialRevenueMember_FA9E6A103AA3C22EC402F8A14E61004D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_TypeOfCategoriesDomain_5E61F3BF955CD59C0931F8A14E60DB87" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinancialRevenueMember_FA9E6A103AA3C22EC402F8A14E61004D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_762EDB87BB17DE799D38F8A14E616D35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C7747805829B4BF99FF6F8A14E60F55C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_762EDB87BB17DE799D38F8A14E616D35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6330317FAD870B11873EF8A14E610FFE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_762EDB87BB17DE799D38F8A14E616D35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6330317FAD870B11873EF8A14E610FFE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6330317FAD870B11873EF8A14E610FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_762EDB87BB17DE799D38F8A14E616D35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6330317FAD870B11873EF8A14E610FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralMember_01FC0C1FEC89FE3EEF08F8A14E61D6AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6330317FAD870B11873EF8A14E610FFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralMember_01FC0C1FEC89FE3EEF08F8A14E61D6AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_CemeteryMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_DB4741D8D50BA705C71CF8A14E61E07F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6330317FAD870B11873EF8A14E610FFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_CemeteryMember_DB4741D8D50BA705C71CF8A14E61E07F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FuneralAndCemeteryMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FuneralAndCemeteryMember_41C462ECBE13E6401582F8ACAF7D4F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6330317FAD870B11873EF8A14E610FFE" xlink:to="loc_csv_FuneralAndCemeteryMember_41C462ECBE13E6401582F8ACAF7D4F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinancialRevenuesAxis" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesAxis_19C05111921DCB21521DF8A14E61C00B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C7747805829B4BF99FF6F8A14E60F55C" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesAxis_19C05111921DCB21521DF8A14E61C00B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesAxis_19C05111921DCB21521DF8A14E61C00B" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesAxis_19C05111921DCB21521DF8A14E61C00B" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedCommissionMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedCommissionMember_0F7B90DD1FF41878833DF8A14E611094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedCommissionMember_0F7B90DD1FF41878833DF8A14E611094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_PreneedTrustMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_PreneedTrustMember_4C3353100AFC21824847F8A14E618C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35" xlink:to="loc_csv_PreneedTrustMember_4C3353100AFC21824847F8A14E618C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_TrustMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_TrustMember_CF92F77DCD7344956747F8A14E6199D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35" xlink:to="loc_csv_TrustMember_CF92F77DCD7344956747F8A14E6199D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_FinanceChargesMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_FinanceChargesMember_5B9DE5C430EDB1482024F8A14E616E85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_csv_FinancialRevenuesDomain_D15FD55C0E85D8E2DF4DF8A14E611B35" xlink:to="loc_csv_FinanceChargesMember_5B9DE5C430EDB1482024F8A14E616E85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_D88D8E63CEE1720D3D75F8A14E613D8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BD18FACD26CE1CD4A943F8A14E612F8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_D88D8E63CEE1720D3D75F8A14E613D8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_4EDFE83753C60ED7BCE7F8A14E61DB9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BD18FACD26CE1CD4A943F8A14E612F8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_4EDFE83753C60ED7BCE7F8A14E61DB9D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carriageservices.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_2DB1BBA69D6C2AD9B460640FA9BF6236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_D28AE337508195914E77640FA9BEE317" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_2DB1BBA69D6C2AD9B460640FA9BF6236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_D28AE337508195914E77640FA9BEE317" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_F932E74D81FB5455880E640FA9BEE769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_D28AE337508195914E77640FA9BEE317" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_F932E74D81FB5455880E640FA9BEE769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_F932E74D81FB5455880E640FA9BEE769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_F932E74D81FB5455880E640FA9BEE769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsCurrentMember_EAE2DF150E8EC72C3779640FA9BE95D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsCurrentMember_EAE2DF150E8EC72C3779640FA9BE95D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsNoncurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsNoncurrentMember_AAFF043D71A777D4F3B8640FA9BE6B69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsNoncurrentMember_AAFF043D71A777D4F3B8640FA9BE6B69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="csv-20121231.xsd#csv_ReserveForSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_csv_ReserveForSeveranceMember_2718F937BDEF6CDAC750640FA9BEA72C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1" xlink:to="loc_csv_ReserveForSeveranceMember_2718F937BDEF6CDAC750640FA9BEA72C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LegalReserveMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LegalReserveMember_493EAD3D4FD670C485B7640FA9BFB34F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LegalReserveMember_493EAD3D4FD670C485B7640FA9BFB34F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_F0A9AE8C77D169C7DCE0640FA9BF15D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_AA8800909C564B7D59F0640FA9BE9BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_F0A9AE8C77D169C7DCE0640FA9BF15D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_24274150200D75BD7CC5640FA9BFDF1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_2DB1BBA69D6C2AD9B460640FA9BF6236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_24274150200D75BD7CC5640FA9BFDF1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_DDA8073C9BE798C81362640FA9BF21F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_24274150200D75BD7CC5640FA9BFDF1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_DDA8073C9BE798C81362640FA9BF21F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_A360D54F3E2B4527AEF9640FA9BFC50F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_24274150200D75BD7CC5640FA9BFDF1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_A360D54F3E2B4527AEF9640FA9BFC50F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_67120FDA4E7E6EBABCD8640FA9BFCE29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_24274150200D75BD7CC5640FA9BFDF1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_67120FDA4E7E6EBABCD8640FA9BFCE29" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
