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



RESET




Word of the Day

11 January 2025

COWBERRY

(noun) low evergreen shrub of high north temperate regions of Europe and Asia and America bearing red edible berries


Do you know this game?

Wordscapes

Wordscapes is a popular word game consistently in the top charts of both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The Android version has more than 10 million installs. This guide will help you get more coins in less than two minutes of playing the game. Continue reading Wordscapes: Get More Coins