hatchment Meaning, Definition & Usage

Hatch"ment noun
Etymology
Corrupt. fr. achievement.
Definitions
  1. (Her.) A sort of panel, upon which the arms of a deceased person are temporarily displayed, -- usually on the walls of his dwelling. It is lozenge-shaped or square, but is hung cornerwise. It is used in England as a means of giving public notification of the death of the deceased, his or her rank, whether married, widower, widow, etc. Called also achievement.
    His obscure funeral; No trophy, sword, or hatchment o'er his bones. Shak.
  2. A sword or other mark of the profession of arms; in general, a mark of dignity.
    Let there be deducted, out of our main potation, Five marks in hatchments to adorn this thigh. Beau. & Fl.

Webster 1913