HATCHMENT

hatchment. Hatchment, n. an escutcheon set up for the dead

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Hatch″ment (–ment), n. [[Corrupt. fr. achievement.]] 1. 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. 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.