HATCHMENT
Etymology
Noun
hatchment (plural hatchments)
(heraldry) An escutcheon of a deceased person, placed within a black lozenge and hung on a wall
Source: Wiktionary
Hatch"ment, n. Etym: [Corrupt. fr. achievement.]
1. (Her.)
Definition: 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition